ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Biofuels

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the potential for the waste-derived biodiesel industry to contribute to the development of green skills and green jobs.

Norman Baker: I have been asked to reply 
	as the Department for Transport leads on biofuels policy.
	The Department for Transport has made no specific assessment of the potential contribution from waste-derived biofuels to the development of the green economy or green jobs. However, the Renewable Fuels Agency (RFA) and the Department for Transport have published information on the supply of biofuels, including listing all biofuels producers who have claimed renewable transport fuels certificates. The RFA also published assessments of the impact of the renewable transport fuels obligation in the UK following the first two years of the obligation. This information is available at:
	www.renewablefuelsagency.gov.uk
	and
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/biofuels/

Carbon Emissions: Ceramics

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will take steps to tackle carbon leakage in the ceramics sector.

Gregory Barker: The coalition Government are committed to safeguarding the UK's strong manufacturing base whilst reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy security. In recognition of this, and with the support of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, officials are working in the UK and in Europe to look at the impact of carbon reduction policies on energy intensive industries in the UK, including the ceramics sector. With the exception of ceramic bricks, all ceramic sectors were deemed at risk of carbon leakage in the European Commission's assessment under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) Directive. However, on Thursday 18 May, with support from the UK delegation, the European Climate Change Committee voted to add ceramic bricks, roof tiles and clay pipes to the list of sectors at risk of carbon leakage. Ceramic bricks will now receive 100% of their allocated EU ETS allowances for free thereby reducing operational costs and supporting the sector to stay internationally competitive in the face of increased action on climate change.

Departmental CCTV

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many CCTV cameras are installed in and around his Department's premises; and how much such cameras cost to (a) install and (b) operate in the latest period for which figures are available.

Gregory Barker: Staff in the Department are located in 3 Whitehall Place and 55 Whitehall, London and on two floors of Atholl House, Aberdeen.
	The number of CCTV cameras installed in the above premises are as follows:
	3 Whitehall Place:
	Seven external
	44 internal
	51 total
	55 Whitehall:
	12 external
	One internal
	13 total
	Atholl House:
	Four external
	Three internal
	Seven total
	All but one of the CCTV cameras were installed prior to DECC's creation and the costs are not available. One internal camera was installed in 3 Whitehall Place in February 2011 at a cost of £876.00.
	The cost to operate the CCTV cameras for all locations are included in the overall security and maintenance contracts. Therefore specific operating costs are not available.

Departmental Charitable Donations

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to encourage charitable giving by Ministers in his Department.

Gregory Barker: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 4 March 2011, Official Report, column 620W.

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much his Department spent on special advisers' travel by (a) Government car, (b) private hire car, (c) train, (d) bus, (e) commercial aircraft and (f) private aircraft since May 2010.

Gregory Barker: The use of all forms of travel undertaken by civil servants, including special advisers, is governed by the requirements of the Civil Service Management Code.
	The costs for special advisers' travel between May 2010 and April 2011 are as follows:
	Government car—0
	Private aircraft—0
	Information on costs associated with overseas travel by Ministers, including accompanying special advisers, is published annually by the Cabinet Office.
	Information on the other modes of transport could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Taxis

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much his Department has spent on private vehicle hire for Ministerial travel (a) in total and (b) in respect of each Minister in his Department since 11 May 2010.

Gregory Barker: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave her on 5 April 2011, Official Report, column 881W.
	Between 11 May 2010 and 2 September 2010, DECC had contracts with the Government Car and Despatch Agency for four ministerial cars. These contracts were subject to a three month notice period, which DECC invoked on 1 June 2010. Between that same period of 11 May 2010 and 2 September, the costs to the Department of the contract with the Government Car and Despatch Agency were £108,698. The total spent on private vehicle hire, including vehicles provided through these contracts, between 11 May 2010 and 30 April 2011 is broken down as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
			 Chris Huhne 46,194 
			 Gregory Barker 47,650 
			 Charles Hendry 48,895 
			 Lord Marland 34,021 
			 Total: 176,760 
		
	
	This compares with £303,129 which DECC spent on GCDA ministerial cars during the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010. All travel is undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code.

Electricity Generation

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the potential contribution of demand-side measures to electricity market reform.

Charles Hendry: The Government are committed to encouraging and incentivising energy efficiency within the home, and in the public and private sectors, and has a range of policies in place to achieve this including current measures such as the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC), Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) and Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP), and future measures such as the Green Deal and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO).
	DECC is currently developing a White Paper which will set out proposals for Electricity Market Reform (EMR). We recognise that demand-side measures have an important contribution to make in supporting the transition to a low-carbon generating mix and ensuring security of supply. We are considering views raised in response to the EMR consultation on demand-side issues in development of the White Paper.

Energy: Meters

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to ensure those with pre-payment meters are not disadvantaged compared to those using other payment methods; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Hendry: Energy tariffs are a matter for Ofgem, who have put in place rules to protect consumers on pricing, including licence condition changes to prevent unfair price differentials, such as those between different payment methods.
	Ofgem has reported on the effectiveness of these changes and, as part of their retail market review, found that prepayment meter (PPM) customers now pay, on average, £20 less than standard credit customers for their gas and electricity. They have also found that direct debit customers now pay, on average, £70 less than PPM for gas and electricity, which is within the £88 indicative cost difference between providing and servicing a PPM compared to a direct debit account, identified by Ofgem. A copy of the full Ofgem ‘Retail Market Review—Findings and Proposals’ is available online at:
	http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Markets/RetMkts/rmr/Documents1/RMR_FINAL.pdf
	We support Ofgem's actions in tackling unjustified tariff premiums to ensure consumers do not lose out.

Energy: Prices

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to support vulnerable people to participate in the Green Deal scheme; and whether such people will be prioritised

Gregory Barker: In recognition that some households may need additional support to benefit from energy efficiency improvements available through the Green Deal, we are developing an Energy Company Obligation that will focus in particular on the needs of the poor and vulnerable. We will consult on detailed proposals for the ECO later this year.

Energy: Prices

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to ensure open competition within the Green Deal scheme to enable independent traders to compete with major utilities companies.

Gregory Barker: The Energy Bill will create a Green Deal framework that enables a wide range of companies to act as Green Deal providers, installers and assessors. The legislation is designed to be as open and inclusive as possible with no bias towards any particular industry. Green Deal finance and the new Energy Company Obligation, should encourage a diverse range of partnerships and innovative delivery arrangements to flourish, providing many opportunities for companies of all types and sizes.

Fossil Fuels

David Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will request the World Bank to reduce its investment in fossil fuels as part of its energy strategy review.

Charles Hendry: Throughout the review, the UK has emphasised to the World Bank the need to ensure that the Energy Strategy meets the twin goals of sustainable energy production and increasing the access of poor people to energy. We support the inclusion of a target to increase the percentage of lending for clean energy, and a shift away from lending for coal fired power stations toward cleaner energy sources, where we believe the financing challenges to be greatest.

Fuel: Households

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much funding he expects to be made available to fuel poor households in London through the Energy Company Obligation in each of the next four years.

Gregory Barker: The ECO will be more focused than its predecessors on targeting support at low income and vulnerable households and hard to treat homes. ECO will therefore be key to delivering on this Government's commitment to tackling fuel poverty, and London, along with other regions where there is a high proportion of hard to treat housing, will be well-placed to benefit.
	The Government are keen for an ambitious ECO. It is too early to determine the precise outcomes we will require energy suppliers to deliver. We will consult on the scale of ECO in the autumn.

Natural Gas

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change for how many days’ supply of gas the UK has storage capacity; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Hendry: On a simple calculation (total storage capacity divided by average daily UK gas consumption in 2010) we have around 16.5 days of supply available. However this does not take account of:
	(i) deliverability constraints which mean we could not meet full daily demand from storage alone, nor would we need to as we have diverse gas supply from North sea production and a variety of import sources;
	(ii) maximum possible flow rates from gas storage which differ depending on the storage site. Some storage facilities would be emptied faster than 16 days in a hypothetical situation where they were providing gas to the grid at maximum capacity and were not replenishing at any point (unlikely in reality), whereas long range storage could provide gas for much longer than 16 days.

Nuclear Power

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change 
	(1)  whether he plans to lay before Parliament the nuclear National Policy Statement at the same time as the other national policy statement relating to energy;
	(2)  when he expects the nuclear National Policy Statement to be laid before Parliament.

Charles Hendry: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State set out in a written statement given on 18 May 2011, Official Report, column 21WS, that subject to careful consideration of the detail of Dr Weightman's interim report, the Government intend to bring forward the energy national policy statements for ratification as soon as possible. This includes the nuclear national policy statement.

River Severn: Tidal Power

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent meetings he had had with the Welsh Government on plans to harness tidal power in the Severn Estuary.

Gregory Barker: I have not had any meetings with my counterparts in the Welsh Government on this topic since the recent election. However, officials from the two Governments are in regular contact about various plans to develop tidal power schemes in the Severn estuary.

Welsh Assembly Government

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what meetings he has had with Ministers in the Welsh Government since May 2010; and what the subject was of each meeting.

Gregory Barker: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and other Ministers from his department have regular meetings with Ministers from the devolved Administrations, including with Ministers from the Welsh Government. Ministers meet bilaterally as well as at Joint Ministerial Committee, European Council and the British-Irish Council.

Wind Power: Planning Permission

Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will issue guidance to planning authorities recommending that onshore wind turbines be installed no closer than 10 rotor diameters from the nearest domestic property.

Charles Hendry: The Government are keen to avoid a ‘one size fits all’ approach to setting distances between wind turbines and nearby properties and consider that impacts are best assessed on a case by case basis so that local factors can be taken fully into account, regardless of whether applications are dealt with at national or local level. Where applications are dealt with at local level (the large majority of applications in England), we believe that local councils should have the opportunity to assess these matters on behalf of their local community.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Arts: Ethnic Groups

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has made an assessment of the potential effects on black and minority ethnic communities of reductions in his Department's funding for the arts.

Jeremy Hunt: My Department published an equalities impact statement in October 2010 concerning our spending review settlement. In addition to this, Arts Council England produced its own comprehensive equality impact assessment, which is available on its website and which considered the equality impact of its arts funding decisions in terms of race and ethnicity, but also gender and disability.

Broadband: Sunderland

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the number of people in Sunderland who live in areas with low-speed broadband.

Edward Vaizey: We estimate that there are 9,423 premises in the local authority Sunderland District with less than 2 Mbit/s out of a total of 127,735 premises.

Copyright: Internet

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps his Department is taking to enforce the online copyright infringement sections of the Digital Economy Act 2010.

Edward Vaizey: Implementation of the online copyright infringement measures in the Digital Economy Act requires a number of steps to be taken. Implementation of the initial measures cannot happen until Ofcom has approved a code of practice, incorporating provisions relating to the sharing of costs which must be approved by Parliament. The judgment from the recent judicial review will require changes to our original proposal on how costs are shared and we are currently considering the changes which will need to be made to the cost-sharing Statutory Instrument in light of this. Once we are clear on what changes need to be made both the Statutory Instrument and the draft code will need to be notified to the European Commission under the Technical Standards Directive. Separately, the Government commissioned a report by Ofcom into the workability of sections 17 and 18 of the Act. That report is due to be delivered shortly. I will set out what action we plan to take as soon as we have had an opportunity to consider the report and all other relevant factors.

Cultural Heritage: Qualifications

Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps (a) his Department and (b) English Heritage is taking to promote the Heritage Skills national vocational qualification.

John Penrose: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) recognises that the repair and maintenance of historic buildings requires craftspeople with specialist skills and knowledge. The Heritage Skills NVQ Level 3 demonstrates competency to carry out a variety of heritage restoration skills to a high standard. DCMS supports the work of Construction Skills—which is sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills—and that of the National Heritage Training Group, which includes English Heritage, in developing and assessing this qualification.
	In respect of English Heritage's involvement, I have asked the chief executive of English Heritage to write direct to my hon. Friend. Copies of the reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Departmental CCTV

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many CCTV cameras are installed in and around his Department's premises; and how much such cameras cost to (a) install and (b) operate in the latest period for which figures are available.

John Penrose: There are 35 cameras around the Department for Culture, Media and Sport premises. They were installed in 2007 at a cost of £72,353.93. The operations cost for 2010-11 was £2,714.

Heritage Lottery Fund: Reading

Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many charities in Reading West constituency have (a) applied for and (b) received awards from the Heritage Lottery Fund in each year since its establishment.

John Penrose: Since the Heritage Lottery Fund was established nine applications have been received from, and eight awards made to, charities in the Reading West constituency. A breakdown can be found in the following table:
	
		
			  Applications Awards 
			 1995 1 0 
			 1996 0 0 
			 1997 0 0 
			 1998 0 0 
			 1999 0 0 
			 2000 0 0 
			 2001 0 0 
			 2002 0 0 
			 2003 0 0 
			 2004 0 0 
			 2005 2 2 
			 2006 1 1 
			 2007 4 4 
			 2008 0 0 
			 2009 0 0 
			 2010 1 1 
			 2011 0 0 
			 Total 9 8

Heritage: Repairs and Maintenance

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what (a) urgent works and (b) urgent repairs notices were issued by English Heritage or served by the Secretary of State between 2000 and 2011; whether each heritage asset in respect of which a notice was issued was on the English Heritage at risk register at the time of notice being issued; and what the status is of each asset in 2011.

John Penrose: The Secretary of State served one Repairs Notice, under s.48 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, in the period 2000 to 2011. The Repairs Notice was served on the owner of Apethorpe Hall in Northamptonshire prior to the Secretary of State's compulsory purchase of the building in 2004. Apethorpe Hall was on the English Heritage Heritage at Risk Register at the time the Notice was served. The building is currently owned by English Heritage and remains on the Heritage at Risk Register.
	Further information relating to this issue is held by English Heritage.
	Accordingly, I have asked the chief executive of English Heritage to write direct to the hon. Member on the matters that fall within his responsibility.

Intellectual Property

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport in which Department officials working on intellectual property policy are located.

Edward Davey: I have been asked to reply.
	The officials who lead on intellectual property policy within the Government are in the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), which is part of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. In addition officials in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have specific responsibility for implementing the online copyright infringement provisions of the 2010 Digital Economy Act. The Intellectual Property Office works closely with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and with other Government Departments who have an interest in intellectual property policy.

Local Broadcasting: Television

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent discussions he has had with Ministers in (a) the Scottish Executive, (b) the Welsh Assembly Government and (c) the Northern Ireland Assembly on the creation of a national spine for local television.

Edward Vaizey: The Department routinely discusses a range of media policy matters which includes local TV with the Scottish Executive, Welsh Assembly Government and Northern Ireland Assembly.

Local Broadcasting: Television

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he expects to publish a summary of the bids received by his Department for the operation of local television stations.

Edward Vaizey: The Local Media Action Plan published in January 2010 invited informal expressions of interest as part of a two stage consultation process. This was not a bidding process. A summary of responses will be published on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's website by the end of May:
	www.culture.gov.uk

Local Broadcasting: Television

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he expects the new national television spine for local television to be in place.

Edward Vaizey: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 19 May 2011, Official Report, column 276W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Clacton (Mr Carswell).

National Lottery

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what approach the (a) Big Lottery Fund and (b) National Lottery Fund adopts in assessing funding bids from organisations linked to (i) churches and (ii) other religious groups.

John Penrose: Decisions on funding bids are made by each of the National Lottery distributors independently of Government.

Olympic Games 2012

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he expects the final timetable for the route of the London 2012 Olympics torch relay to be published.

Hugh Robertson: The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) is responsible for the Olympic torch relay. On 18 May LOCOG announced the 66 evening celebrations and six of the island visits. They will now proceed with the detailed planning of the route, which will be announced later this year.

Olympic Games 2012

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how the locations of the overnight stops for the London 2012 Olympics torch relay were determined.

Hugh Robertson: The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) is responsible for the Olympic torch relay. Over the last 16 months LOCOG has conducted a UK-wide consultation on the torch relay route, including through workshops involving local authorities and local representatives of the tourism, heritage, sustainability, culture, education and sport sectors. LOCOG set up Advisory Groups in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and in every English region to develop the route and identify overnight celebration locations. Factors that were taken into account when selecting overnight stops included population centres, logistical and operational requirements and the aim to take the Olympic flame within an hour's journey time of 95% of the UK population.

Olympic Games 2012: Contracts

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what information has been collected by the Olympic Delivery Authority on (a) the distribution of Tier 2 and Tier 3 Olympic construction contracts by country and region and (b) the monetary value of these contracts.

Hugh Robertson: Information on the full distribution and value of contracts won across the UK is not held as these are not public procurements run by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA).
	In 2009 the ODA undertook research into its supply chain and mapped out over 1,500 companies from across the UK that are helping to build the venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The map can be viewed at the following link:
	www.london2012.com/get-involved/business-network/oda-suppliers/map.php
	This represents only a fraction of the number of companies the ODA expects to benefit from the £6 billion of investment. The ODA estimates that overall up to 50,000 contracts will be generated throughout its supply chains with a value that runs into hundreds of millions of pounds.

Olympic Games 2012: Contracts

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent estimate the Olympic Delivery Authority has made of the number of contracts remaining to be let in respect of the London 2012 Olympics; and what estimate has been made of the monetary value of those contracts.

Hugh Robertson: As of May 2011, the Olympic Delivery Authority estimate there are 35 contracts remaining, with an estimated monetary value of £150 million. This may be in the form of new contracts or amendments to existing contracts. These direct procurements will in turn generate hundreds more business opportunities in the supply chains.

Prince William: Marriage

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much public funding was allocated to activities relating to the recent royal wedding.

John Penrose: holding answer 23 May 2011
	No additional funding was allocated to meet the costs associated with the royal wedding. Government support was funded within existing budgets. In addition, some services, such as the media facilities, were provided on a cost recovery basis. We do not have the final figures yet but we estimate the cost to this Department was around £1 million.

Public Holidays

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what plans he has to publish the submissions to his Department's (a) pre-consultation and (b) consultation on moving the May Day bank holiday.

Jeremy Hunt: Publication procedures will be conducted in line with the Government Code of Practice on Consultation. The code of practice can be found at the following link:
	http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file47158.pdf

Public Holidays

Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what criteria he plans to apply to his determination of the future of the May Day bank holiday.

Jeremy Hunt: The pre-consultation will arrive at criteria for the main consultation by inviting ideas on a date and occasion to replace the May Day bank holiday and will seek further evidence to support an impact assessment. The exercise will also include the option of leaving the early May Day bank holiday date where it is.

Sports: VAT

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what representations his Department has received on the charging of value added tax on the provision of sports league services; and if he will make a statement.

David Gauke: I have been asked to reply.
	Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’ view is that the provision of sports league services is liable to VAT at the standard rate. As a number of providers have been treating these supplies as exempt from VAT, HMRC issued further guidance in February 2011, confirming their view that the provision of sports league services is liable to VAT.

Television: Local Broadcasting

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what his Department's policy is on creation of a national spine for local television.

Edward Vaizey: The Local Media Action Plan invited responses to help inform the model for local TV. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is currently analysing these and the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport will be making a statement in due course.

Trade Unions

Dominic Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many staff of (a) his Department and (b) the Royal Parks Agency are entitled to work (i) full-time as trade union representatives and (ii) part-time on trade union activities; how many such staff are paid more than £25,900 annually; and what the cost to the public purse of employing such staff on such duties was in the latest period for which figures are available.

John Penrose: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) employs one full-time staff member as a trade union representative. Five members of staff work on trade union activities on a part time basis.
	The Royal Parks Agency (TRP) employs one staff member on a part-time basis for trade union activities.
	There are no trade union representatives paid more than £25,900 in DCMS or the TRP.
	The annual cost of employing trade union representatives for DCMS and TRP is up to £77,000 for the 2010-11 financial year.

PRIME MINISTER

Animal Welfare: Circuses

Bob Russell: To ask the Prime Minister on what dates in the last 12 months he has met representatives of circuses to discuss the continued use of wild animals in public performances.

David Cameron: I have had no such meetings. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman), has set out Government policy on the continued use of wild animals in public performances.

Mark Britnell

Helen Jones: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  whether he consulted (a) the Deputy Prime Minister and (b) the Secretary of State for Health before appointing Mr Mark Britnell to advise him on health policy;
	(2)  for what reason Mr Mark Britnell was asked to join the group of experts advising him on health policy;
	(3)  on what date he was first notified of the content of comments on the NHS made by Mr Mark Britnell at a conference organised by Apax Partners.

Ian Lavery: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  what (a) meetings and (b) discussions (i) senior officials and (ii) special advisors in his Office have had with Mark Britnell since May 2010;
	(2)  whether Mark Britnell has been invited to 10 Downing street since May 2010.

David Cameron: I have not appointed Mr Mark Britnell to be my adviser on health matters.
	The first time I was aware of his comments was after they appeared in the weekend press on 14-15 May 2011.
	Officials and special advisers have meetings and discussions with a wide range of organisations and individuals on a range of subjects.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust

Helen Jones: To ask the Leader of the House pursuant to his answer to my hon. Friend the Member for St Helens North (Mr Watts) of 12 May 2011, Official Report, column 527, on Business of the House, when he first learned that a merger of St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust with another trust was being considered; and whether he was advised by the Department of Health of the trusts which were being considered for such a merger.

George Young: I have nothing further to add to the answer given to the hon. Member for St Helens North (Mr Watts) on 12 May 2011, Official Report, column 527.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Personal Income

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what account he has taken of the effects of income inequality in the (a) formulation and (b) implementation of policy.

Owen Paterson: The majority of relevant social and economic policies in Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. The Government are however committed to working with the Northern Ireland Executive to rebalance the Northern Ireland economy and to boost private sector growth. The Government worked in close co-operation with the Executive on their recent ‘Rebalancing the Northern Ireland Economy' consultation paper. The consultation paper is clear that Northern Ireland is one of the UK's most disadvantaged regions and consequently puts forward radical proposals to grow the private sector and increase prosperity in some of the most deprived areas of the country.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Antisocial Behaviour Orders

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for antisocial behaviour orders have been made to Coventry magistrates in each of the last three years; how many have been granted; and how many of those granted have been breached.

James Brokenshire: Data on antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) are collected at Criminal Justice System (CJS) area level, and Coventry is part of the west midlands CJS area. The following table shows the numbers of ASBOs issued on application, and following conviction, as well as the number breached for the first time in the west midlands CJS area in each year between 2007 and 2009 (the latest year for which figures are available). No ASBO applications made to magistrates courts in the west midlands CJS area between 2007 and 2009 have been reported to the Ministry of Justice as being refused.
	An ASBO can be issued in one CJS area and breached in another. ASBOs may also be breached more than once and in more than one year. The figures shown represent instances when an ASBO was breached for the first time in each year between 2007 and 2009. Some of these breaches will be of ASBOs issued in previous years, or of ASBOs issued following conviction.
	
		
			 Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) applied for and issued at on application and conviction at all courts and the number proved at all courts to have been breached in the west midlands Criminal Justice System (CJS) area, 2007  -  09 
			 West midlands CJS area 2007 2008 2009 
			 Issued on application(1) 61 64 43 
			 Issued on conviction(2) 120 133 76 
			 Breached(3) 113 102 76 
			 (1) Includes ASBOs issued on application by magistrates courts acting in their civil capacity and county courts, which became available on 1 April 1999. Prior to the creation of the Ministry of Justice on 9 May 2007, numbers of ASBOs issued were reported to the Home Office by the Court Service. (2) Includes ASBOs made following conviction for a relevant criminal offence at the Crown court and at magistrates courts (acting in their criminal capacity), which became available on 2 December 2002. (3) ASBOs may be breached more than once and in more than one year. This table presents instances when an ASBO was breached for the first time in the years shown. Many of these breaches will be as a result of an ASBO that was issued in an earlier year and many of these will also be as a result of an ASBO issued following conviction. For this reason breach rates cannot be computed from the figures presented in this table. Breaches are counted in this table by area of issue. Note: Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services within the Ministry of Justice

Aviation: Security

Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she plans to report on the outcome of (a) investigations into the bomb package found at East Midlands Airport in October 2010 and (b) its review of air freight security.

James Brokenshire: The police investigation into the events surrounding the improvised explosive device found at East Midlands airport is ongoing. The Home Office and the Department for Transport have reviewed aviation cargo security. For security reasons it is not appropriate to publish this work. However the Government work closely with the aviation industry and international partners to ensure security arrangements are maintained and enhanced where necessary.

Departmental Research

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what (a) longitudinal and (b) other (i) research and (ii) collection of data her Department has (A) initiated, (B) terminated and (C) amended in the last 12 months; and what such research and data collection exercises undertaken by the Department have not been amended in that period.

Damian Green: The Home Office runs no surveys that are longitudinal in the sense of tracking responses from the same respondents over time, although some surveys are regularly repeated.
	The British Crime Survey and the annual data requirement for collecting data from the police have continued in 2010-11. The content of each is reviewed and changed each year in consultation with key stakeholders and with regard to costs, need and burden.
	The data collection for statistics on scientific procedures on animals is regularly reviewed, including data collection methods, although it remains unchanged in the last year.
	Responsibility for the collection of statistics on alcohol and late night refreshment licensing transferred to the Home Office from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in 2010. This collection from local authorities is not run every year and a decision not to collect the data in 2010-11 was taken within the year from May 2010.
	Other statistics, including those on migration and the operation of police powers under the Terrorism Act 2000 are largely based on management information and require no specific additional data collections. Migration statistics are continually reviewed, including through consultations with external users such as the one launched on 24 February 2011.
	Other management information on a wide range of issues is collected by delivery bodies for their own purposes and collated by the Home Office. These collections are regularly reviewed to ensure the data remain relevant, and that submitting data does not impose a burden on local areas. None have been altered, added or removed during the year from May 2010.
	Details of external social science research projects relating to crime and policing or migration which were commissioned, altered, completed, or continued unchanged during the year (including those completed as planned) from May 2010 are given in List 1.
	Details of external physical science research projects relating to crime and policing or migration which were commissioned, altered, completed or continued unchanged during the year (including those completed as planned) from May 2010 are given in List 2.
	The Home Office also commissions research in support of the United Kingdom’s strategy for countering international terrorism (CONTEST). The details of this research are classified on the grounds of national security, but our broad research strategy is available on the Home Office website, at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/counter-terrorism/science-and-technology/science-and-technology-strategy?view=Binary
	Where possible, details of less sensitive projects are included in Tables 1 and 2, and in addition details of some research spend are given at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/transparency/transparency-spend/
	List 1: External social research begun, amended, terminated, or continued without change during the year beginning in May 2010.
	(i) Social Research Contracts awarded since May 2010
	Drug Data Warehouse—contract extension
	Review of small projects under EC funding
	Satisfying labour demand through migration
	Impact of financial investigation on organised crime groups
	Integrated Offender Management/Voluntary and Community Sector Project
	Multi-agency risk assessment conference review
	Facilitated Return Scheme
	Building the Voluntary and Community Sector's involvement in Integrated Offender Management approaches: a process evaluation
	Early Legal Advice Pilot (for asylum seekers) evaluation
	(ii) Social Research Contracts Terminated since May 2010
	Evaluation of serious organised crime task force programme
	(iii) Social Research Contracts amended since May 2010
	Drug Data Warehouse—contract extension
	‘Links between homicide and organised crime'
	Vulnerability and resilience to Al-Qaeda influenced violent extremism—Learning from the gang, cult, political activism and violent extremism literature
	Engaged Communities
	Al-Qaeda influenced radicalisation: Applying Situational Action Theory
	Reducing youth crime: assessing the set-up, delivery and impact of triage, reparation and street-based teams
	Study of Key interventions into terrorism using Bayesian Networks
	Neighbourhood Agreements
	Individual disengagement from violent extremist groups—A Rapid Evidence Assessment to inform policy and practice in preventing violent extremism
	British Crime Survey—Extension
	An Exploration of Staff-Prisoner Relationships at HMP Whitemoor: Twelve Years On.
	(iv) Social Research Contracts Live and not amended May 2010 to May 2011
	AAR Assessment
	Neighbourhood Policing—Exemplar Sites
	Early Leavers from the Police Force
	Partnership Peer Support Program (PPSS) Evaluation
	Valuing the security/privacy/inconvenience trade off
	A Rapid Evidence Assessment: What works in reducing alcohol related crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour in the night-time economy and in public spaced
	Drugs Advisory Panel
	Review of small projects under EC funding
	Polling on threat levels from international terrorism
	Polling on public attitudes to UK involvement in Libya
	Exploring public confidence in the police and local councils in tackling crime and antisocial behaviour
	Retention of female and BME police officers
	List  2: Physical sciences external research continued and completed by the Home Office scientific development branch (now the Centre for Applied Science and Technology)
	Data collections initiated by HOSDB (Now CAST) May 2010 to May 2011
	Creation of i-LIDS New Technologies data set for evaluation of video analytic systems
	Physical Sciences external research continued and completed by HOSDB (Now CAST) May 2010 to May 2011.
	Continued collation of data on police Taser usage
	Research on body armour (“Behind Armour Blunt Trauma”) project jointly with USA.
	Student research projects in the area of fingerprint forensics
	Research and development for roadside and police station screening of drug drivers
	Literature reviews on facial comparison
	Research into audio processing for law enforcement
	Development of tool supporting covert surveillance of serious and organised criminals
	Development of signal processing for covert surveillance of serious and organised criminals
	Development of technique in support of covert surveillance of serious and organised criminals
	Physical sciences external research provided in support of CONTEST and referenced in other published material which has been continued or completed May 2010 - May 2011
	Research into CCTV operator performance
	Innovative Research Call on Explosives and Weapons Detection
	Project with CCD Design & Ergonomics
	Project with Synergy Consultants
	Project with Cranfield University
	Project with Exchem defence systems Ltd
	Project with University of Leeds
	Project with Kings College
	Project with CCD Design and Ergonomics Ltd
	Project with Nottingham Trent University
	Project with REACT Engineering Ltd
	Project with Cobalt Light Systems Ltd
	Project with University College London
	Project with Smiths Detection—Watford
	Project with Thruvision Systems Ltd
	Project with University of Birmingham
	Project with SFTC—RAL Space

Departmental Responsibilities

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what definition of (a) back office, (b) middle office and (c) front line her Department uses in the formulation and development of policy; and when such definitions were established.

Nick Herbert: holding answer 8 March 2011
	Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary's (HMIC's) report ‘Demanding Times’, published on 30 March, provides a definition of frontline, middle office and back office police functions. A copy of the report is available at:
	http://www.hmic.gov.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/Thematics/THM_20110330.pdf
	Full details of policing roles and their categorisation by frontline, middle office and back office appear on page 19 of the report.

Drugs: Technology

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what date she plans to issue a specification to manufacturers for drugs testing technology for use by police at the roadside.

James Brokenshire: We expect to receive a draft specification very shortly and will then consider the best way to proceed.

Entry Clearances: Appeals

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many appeals there have been against refusal for family visitor visas in each year since 2002.

Damian Green: holding answer 23 May 2011
	There have been the following number of appeals against the refusal of visit visas for family members in each year since 2002:
	
		
			  Number of appeals 
			 2002-03 9,856 
			 2003-04 16,884 
			 2004-05 30,643 
			 2005-06 58,495 
			 2006-07 50,065 
			 2007-08 64,669 
			 2008-09 62,050 
			 2009-10 63,405

Entry Clearances: Overseas Students

Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations her Department has received on its decision to introduce a temporary limit on confirmations of acceptance for studies allocations for colleges which do not meet accreditation and inspection criteria prior to finalising the definition of those criteria; and if she will make a statement.

Damian Green: The UK Border Agency has received nine pre-action protocols in relation to the Tier 4 interim limit. The agency does not centrally record all forms of representations received. To provide the information requested against the criteria required could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Entry Clearances: Overseas Students

Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many colleges or schools in (a) the UK, (b) Surrey and (c) Woking constituency have been given Highly Trusted Sponsor status in respect of Tier 4 student visas.

Damian Green: There are currently 1,326 educational establishments in the UK that have been granted Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) status. The number of HTS sponsors in Surrey and the Woking constituency can not be determined as sponsor licence holders may have a different address and postcode to that of the institution.

Forensic Science Service

Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to ensure that expertise in strategy, examination and interpretation held by employees of the Forensic Science Service will be transferred to the forensic science market.

James Brokenshire: Private companies already provide approximately 35% of forensics services to the Criminal Justice System. These providers have a significant amount of expertise and impressive records in handling many high profile and complex criminal cases.
	The Association of Chief Police Officers have been clear that the forensics market can cope with the managed wind-down of the Forensic Science Service (FSS). An orderly wind-down will enable adequate time for the restructuring of the current forensics framework, re-tendering of existing FSS contracts and to enable other forensics suppliers to develop the necessary capacity and expertise to meet any additional requirements.

Greater Manchester Police

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will estimate the proportion of time spent on frontline policing duties by officers in the Greater Manchester Police force in the latest period for which figures are available.

Nick Herbert: Latest information on frontline policing is provided in Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary report, ‘Demanding Times’, published on 30 March. A copy of the report is available at:
	http://www.hmic.gov.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/Thematics/THM_20110330.pdf

Human Trafficking

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she expects to publish a strategy on human trafficking; and which organisations she has consulted in its preparation.

Damian Green: The Government intend to publish their strategy on human trafficking before the summer recess.
	We have consulted a range of organisations in the development of the strategy including the United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC), the UK Border Agency (UKBA), other Government Departments and non-Government organisations including Medaille Trust, Barnardos, Care, Migrant Helpline, International Organisation for Migration, Antislavery, Stop-UK, Dalit Freedom Network, Salvation Army, ECPAT, Eaves Housing, Red Cross, Soroptimist, TARA, Stop the Traffik, Human Trafficking Foundation, AFRUCA, Kalayaan, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and Asylum Aid.

Immigrants: Employment

Kris Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research her Department has (a) commissioned and (b) published on the performance of immigrants in the UK labour market in the last five years.

Damian Green: In the last five years the Home Office has not specifically commissioned research on the performance of migrants in the UK labour market.
	However, the Government have asked the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to advise it on policy frameworks. As a part of its work the MAC has published reports that describe the performance of migrants in the UK labour market in recent years. These reports are available on its website at:
	http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/workingwithus/indbodies/mac/

Immigrants: Gurkhas

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) former Gurkhas and (b) dependants of former Gurkhas have settled in the UK since May 2009.

Damian Green: The UK Border Agency does not collect management information on those former Gurkhas or their dependants that choose to settle in the UK having been issued with a settlement visa.

Immigration Controls

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will restore the primary purpose rule.

Damian Green: holding answer 23 May 2011
	This Government are reforming the immigration system as a whole to make it fairer and more robust. We intend to bring forward a wide ranging consultation document on the family route looking at full range of proposals to tackle sham marriages and other abuse, promoting integration and reducing burdens on the taxpayer. We will set out the firm details of these proposed changes in due course.

Khat

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information she holds on (a) the value of imports, (b) levels of use and (c) the effects on personal health and safety of khat; and what recent consideration she has given to the classification of khat.

James Brokenshire: In February this year, the Secretary of State for the Home Department, the right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), wrote to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to set out current Government priorities for inclusion in the council's work programme in 2011-12. This reaffirmed my commission in November 2010 of a review of the available evidence relating to the harms of khat for the Advisory Council to provide both advice in relation to control under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and a wider response. A copy of the letter can be viewed at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/alcohol-drugs/drugs/hs-acmd-priorities-2011-2012
	The Home Office has also published a qualitative study which explored perceptions of the social harms associated with khat; the availability and type of treatment available to khat users via Drug Action Teams, and views on the appropriate Government response to khat. Details can be found at:
	http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110218135832/rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs10/horr44c.pdf
	A second study which reviews national and international evidence on the social harms associated with khat is due to be published shortly.
	The British Crime Survey report “Drug Misuse Declared 2009/10” for the first time included estimates of the prevalence of khat use in the general population. Preliminary findings (based on six months data) show that 0.2% of adults reported using khat in the last year. This information can be found in “Drug Misuse Declared: Findings from the 2009/10 British Crime Survey (England and Wales)” available at:
	http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs10/hosb1310.pdf
	HM Revenue and Customs has classified khat under a Commodity Tariff that includes other types of plants and parts of plants. Therefore, HM Revenue and Customs are unable to supply details of import values that are specific solely to this product.
	A copy of each of these documents has been placed in the Library.

Overseas Students

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she plans to allow universities to accept students from outside the EU for the 2011-12 academic year on the basis of the English language criteria advertised prior to 20 March 2011; and if she will make a statement.

Damian Green: Changes to the student route were announced on 22 March following a public consultation. Amendments to the Immigration Rules were laid on 31 March, coming into force on 21 April. These amendments introduced some changes to the requirements in English language proficiency needed to obtain a student visa. The new rules do not apply to Certificates of Acceptance of Studies issued before 21 April. The new rules contain a number of important flexibilities for students at universities.

Police

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of police time was spent on frontline duties in each police force area in each year since 1997.

Nick Herbert: Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary's (HMIC) report Demanding Times, published on 30 March, provides the currently accepted definition of frontline, middle office and back office police functions. A copy of the report is available at:
	http://www.hmic.gov.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/Thematics/THM_20110330.pdf
	Full details of policing roles, their categorisation by frontline, middle office and back office, and an estimate of the percentage of resource allocated to the front line under this definition across England and Wales in 2010 appear on pages 19-21 of the report. Because the proportion of time spent on the front line by officers in different roles will have varied in earlier years and across forces, we are not able to give estimates at force level or for earlier years.

Stalking: Victims

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will take steps to improve the support available to victims of stalking; and if she will make a statement.

Lynne Featherstone: The Home Office is working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to improve the support available to victims of stalking. Recent initiatives include:
	The appointment of dedicated Single Points Of Contact (SPOCs) in each force area to deal with stalking complaints.
	Supporting CPS in revising official Government guidance last year on stalking and harassment to focus on the victim and emphasise the existence and widespread nature of ‘stalking’ as a particular category of harassment and to identify the various ways in which stalking occurs.
	On 8 March the Home Office published its action plan for tackling violence against women and girls for the spending review period which included several actions to tackle stalking. This document includes a commitment from the Home Office to continue to fund the National Stalking Helpline over the spending review period.

DEFENCE

Legal Arbitrator: Military Covenant

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who the legal arbitrator will be in respect of any complaints made by service personnel in respect of the principles of the military covenant.

Peter Luff: Service personnel are able to lodge any grievance with the chain of command or through the Ministry of Defence bullying and harassment complaints procedure that is overseen by the Service Complaints Commissioner.
	The key principles of the Covenant, of no disadvantage and special treatment where appropriate, will be written into law for the first time. The amendments to the Armed Forces Bill will also recognise the unique nature of service life. This will not create new legally enforceable specific rights for service personnel.

Saudi Arabia: Military Aid

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 30 March 2011, Official Report, column 393W, on Saudi Arabia: military aid, whether the British Military Mission to the Saudi Arabian National Guard trained any of the Saudi Arabian forces which were deployed in Bahrain; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence has extensive and wide-ranging bilateral engagement with Saudi Arabia in support of the Government's wider foreign policy goals. The Ministry of Defence's engagement with Saudi Arabia includes training provided to the Saudi Arabian National Guard, delivered through the British mission. It is possible that some members of the Saudi Arabian National Guard who were deployed in Bahrain may have undertaken some training provided by the British military mission.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) precision-guided munitions and (b) gravity bombs of each type have been dropped in Afghanistan by British (i) fixed-wing aircraft and (ii) unmanned aerial vehicles in the 12 months starting on 24 March (A) 2009 and (B) 2010.

Nick Harvey: The number of precision-guided munitions dropped in Afghanistan in the periods requested are shown in the following table. No free fall bombs have been dropped in this time. I am withholding the figures for individual munition types dropped by fixed-wing aircraft as their disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.
	
		
			 Aircraft type Munition 24 March 2009 to 23 March 2010  (1) 24 March 2009 to 23 March 2011  (1) 
			 Fixed-Wing All types 43 48 
			 Remotely Piloted Air Systems GBU-12 500 lb Bomb 11 18 
			  AGM-114 Missile 35 61 
			 (1) Inclusive. 
		
	
	The increase over the previous 12-month period in weapons delivered by UK air assets is mainly a function of two factors: additional deployed UK reaper remotely piloted air systems; and intelligence-led targeting of military objectives as a result of enhanced coalition surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Use of force remains closely regulated and the avoidance of civilian casualties has been paramount; we carefully select the type of weapon in every engagement to ensure the most appropriate munition is used to deliver the required effect, while minimising the risk to civilians.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the military capabilities deployed in Afghanistan in (a) January 2010, (b) June 2010, (c) December 2010 and (d) April 2011.

Nick Harvey: UK armed forces personnel deployed in Afghanistan possess a wide range of military capabilities, in order to effectively support the International Security Assistance Force mission to assist the Afghan Government in building a secure and stable Afghanistan. I am withholding specific detail as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

Armed Forces

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of joint working between his Department and the Department for Work and Pensions on support for the armed forces, their families and veterans.

Peter Luff: We work very closely with the Department for Work and Pensions and across the whole of Government to ensure that we provide the right level of support to our armed forces, their families and veterans.
	The Armed Forces Bill, which the House will shortly have a further opportunity to consider, contains provision for an annual report on the Armed Forces Covenant, which is designed to strengthen this House's ability to scrutinise how we are fulfilling our obligations.

Armed Forces: Casualties

Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what financial advice his Department provides for the family and dependents of service personnel who are killed while on operational duties overseas.

Peter Luff: The issue of financial guidance/advice was raised during the Boyce review of the armed forces compensation scheme. In his final report, published in 2010, Admiral the Lord Boyce commented that there needed to be better guidance and/or access to independent financial advice so that individuals can make informed decisions on what to do with their award once received. We are currently working with the Royal British Legion to improve the financial education and training available to service personnel throughout their career, including how to ensure compensation recipients get the appropriate guidance from independent financial advisers.

Armed Forces: Compensation

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what steps he plans to take to assess the method of paying compensation to members of the armed forces who are injured; and when he expects to report to the House the outcome of his assessment;
	(2)  if he will assess the adequacy of provision of financial advice to support members of the armed forces who have been injured and are in receipt of compensation.

Peter Luff: The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) was reviewed under the independent chairmanship of the former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral the Lord Boyce in February 2010. Lord Boyce was supported by an Independent Scrutiny Group (ISG) made up of independent professionals, the War Widows’ Association, ex-service organisations, and families' representatives who thoroughly examined every aspect of the scheme, including the method of paying compensation to those who have been injured. Lord Boyce and the ISG unanimously concluded that the scheme was fundamentally sound, but required significant improvement in some areas.
	All the improvements recommended have now been made to the scheme, creating an even more comprehensive package for those injured as a result of their service.
	We have no plans to undertake any further assessment of the method of paying compensation to members of the armed forces who are injured.
	The issue of financial guidance/advice was also considered during the Boyce review. In his final report Lord Boyce commented that there needed to be better guidance and/or access to independent financial advice so that individuals could make informed decisions on what to do with their award once received. We are currently working with the Royal British Legion to improve the financial education and training available to service personnel throughout their career, including how to ensure compensation recipients get the appropriate guidance from independent financial advisers.

Armed Forces: Complaints

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints of (a) discrimination, (b) harassment and (c) bullying have been recorded in each of the armed forces in each of the last five years.

Peter Luff: The following tables reflect the number of discrimination, harassment and bullying complaints reported since October 2006 for each service.
	Statistical data prior to October 2006 are not held centrally.
	
		
			 Discrimination,   b  ullying and   h  arassment   c  omplaints 
			 October 2006 –  March 2007 
			  RN Army RAF 
			  Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal 
			 Bullying 9 40 25 34 9 24 
			 Harassment 7 48 37 36 9 23 
			 Sexual harassment 3 14 6 13 4 8 
			 Sexual discrimination 1 0 2 1 0 0 
			 Racial harassment 0 4 9 4 1 2 
			 Racial discrimination 0 0 3 4 2 0 
			 Sexual orientation harassment 0 1 0 2 0 0 
			 Sexual orientation discrimination 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Religious harassment 0 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Religious discrimination 0 0 0 0 0 0 
		
	
	
		
			 April 2007   –September 2007 
			  RN Army RAF 
			  Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal 
			 Bullying 7 27 15 17 19 26 
			 Harassment 9 40 6 26 12 16 
			 Sexual harassment 11 18 5 6 6 6 
			 Sexual discrimination 1 0 3 0 1 3 
			 Racial harassment 1 5 4 1 2 2 
			 Racial discrimination 0 2 3 3 3 1 
			 Sexual orientation harassment 0 1 1 0 1 3 
			 Sexual orientation discrimination 1 4 1 0 1 0 
			 Religious harassment 0 2 1 0 0 0 
			 Religious discrimination 0 0 0 0 1 0 
		
	
	
		
			 October 2007 –  March 2008 
			  RN Army RAF Tri-Service   t  op   l  evel   b  udget   h  olders 
			  Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal 
			 Bullying 4 29 11 23 16 30 0 0 
			 Harassment 8 43 25 21 8 29 0 0 
			 Sexual harassment 4 12 9 8 5 10 0 0 
			 Sexual discrimination 0 2 1 7 1 0 0 0 
			 Racial harassment 3 6 5 1 7 4 0 0 
			 Racial discrimination 0 3 1 3 1 1 0 0 
			 Sexual orientation harassment 0 4 0 4 1 3 0 0 
			 Sexual orientation discrimination 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 
			 Religious harassment 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Religious discrimination 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Other 1 10 5 4 2 5 0 0 
		
	
	
		
			 April 2008–September 2008 
			  RN Army RAF Tri-S  ervice   t  op   l  evel   b  udget   h  olders 
			  Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal 
			 Bullying 10 36 7 14 24 22 1 3 
		
	
	
		
			 Harassment 14 38 13 10 16 33 7 10 
			 Sexual harassment 4 17 5 1 7 9 0 0 
			 Sexual discrimination 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 
			 Racial harassment 4 2 1 1 3 0 0 0 
			 Racial discrimination 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 
			 Sexual orientation harassment 0 3 1 2 1 3 0 1 
			 Sexual orientation discrimination 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Religious harassment 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 
			 Religious discrimination 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
		
	
	
		
			 January 2009–December 2009 
			  RN Army RAF Tri-Service   t  op   l  evel   b  udget   h  olders 
			  Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal 
			 Bullying 12 30 57 71 41 32 4 9 
			 Harassment 17 72 65 60 27 45 5 6 
			 Sexual harassment 13 16 8 22 7 8 0 1 
			 Sexual discrimination 1 0 1 5 2 1 0 0 
			 Racial harassment 4 7 10 25 4 5 2 1 
			 Racial discrimination 0 2 13 2 0 1 0 0 
			 Sexual orientation harassment 0 5 3 3 2 0 0 1 
			 Sexual orientation discrimination 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Religious harassment 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 0 
			 Religious discrimination 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 0 
		
	
	
		
			 January 2010–December 2010 
			  RN Army RAF Tri-Service   t  op   l  evel   budget h  olders 
			  Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal Formal Informal 
			 Bullying 8 48 47 56 28 36 12 8 
			 Harassment 15 68 44 56 9 33 4 6 
			 Sexual harassment 2 13 14 17 1 9 1 3 
			 Sexual discrimination 1 4 6 5 0 2 0 0 
			 Sex Harassment 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 
			 Racial harassment 3 7 10 11 2 5 0 1 
			 Racial discrimination 1 4 2 9 1 1 0 1 
			 Sexual orientation harassment 1 5 4 5 1 5 0 0 
			 Sexual orientation discrimination 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 
			 Religious harassment 0 1 1 4 0 1 0 0 
			 Religious discrimination 0 2 6 2 0 0 0 1 
		
	
	The changes in the reporting periods given in the tables reflect the requirements of the Service Complaints Commissioner, who has instigated a data gathering policy based on the calendar year.

Armed Forces: Conditions of Employment

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 16 May 2011, Official Report, columns 25-42, on armed forces covenant, what estimate he has made of the total cost of the veterans card; and if his Department will meet that cost.

Peter Luff: In the Government response to the report of the Taskforce on the Military Covenant, we accepted the recommendation for a veterans' card for all former service personnel. It is estimated that a single card will cost in the region of £10.
	We are currently considering a range of internal and external options on how this should be funded before introducing the card to coincide with the relaunch of the defence discount directory scheme next year.

Armed Forces: Conditions of Employment

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 16 May 2011, Official Report, columns 25-42, on armed forces covenant, whether the external reference group is a permanent body.

Peter Luff: We will continue to call upon and welcome the input of the external reference group in our work to support the armed forces covenant. This will include drafting and commenting on the armed forces covenant report, the requirement for which is placed on the Defence Secretary in clause 2 of the Armed Forces Bill currently going through Parliament.
	We are working with the external reference group to update its terms of reference in line with its significant new role.

Armed Forces: Pensions

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will assess the merits of (a) adding bed linen as a permitted item to the clothing allowance claim of war pension allowances and (b) creating an additional allowance for bed linen; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Luff: The War Pension Scheme is open to those who were injured or disabled through serving in the armed forces before 6 April 2005. Within this scheme supplementary allowances are available to cover additional costs that fall to war pensioners as a result of the condition for which they receive a pension, such as the clothing allowance. No claims for bed linen have met the required criteria under which supplementary allowances are given, and therefore, there are no plans to add such an allowance to the War Pension Scheme.

Armoured Fighting Vehicles

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the cost to the public purse arising from the time taken to complete the capability sustainment programmes for (a) the Warrior infantry vehicle and (b) Challenger 2 main battle tank.

Peter Luff: The Warrior capability sustainment programme is currently in the assessment phase. The total cost of the programme will be determined when the main investment decision point is made. I am withholding the estimated costs as their disclosure would prejudice commercial interests. At 31 March 2011, total expenditure for the concept and assessment phases was £50.7 million.
	The Challenger 2 capability sustainment programme is in the very early stages of the concept phase and no expenditure has yet been incurred.

Departmental CCTV

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many CCTV cameras are installed in and around his Department's premises; and how much such cameras cost to (a) install and (b) operate in the latest period for which figures are available.

Peter Luff: The requested information is not centrally held and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Community Covenant

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the projects to which his Department has allocated funding as part of the Community Covenant to date; and in each such case (a) how much funding his Department is expecting to allocate in each of the next three financial years and (b) which other Government Departments are allocating funding to the project.

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the statement of 16 May 2011, Official Report, columns 25-42, on the armed forces covenant, 
	(1)  what upper limit he plans to set for applications made by a single veterans' charity to the community covenant grant scheme;
	(2)  how many applications a single veterans' charity will be able to make to the community covenant grant scheme;
	(3)  whether veterans' charities based in Wales will be able to bid for funding from the proposed community covenant grant scheme on the same basis as those charities registered in England;
	(4)  when he plans to publish details of the criteria for his Community Covenant Grant scheme;
	(5)  what procedure he plans to establish for veterans' charities wishing to access funding from the Community Covenant Grant scheme.

Peter Luff: holding answer 23 May 2011
	The Community Covenant will be launched shortly. Some £30 million has been allocated over the next four years to an associated grant scheme. Details on how communities can access this funding will be announced in due course, but it is expected to be UK wide.

Defence: Exports

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to support aviation defence exports.

Gerald Howarth: The United Kingdom Trade and Industry Defence and Security Organisation (UKTI DSO) is responsible for promoting British defence industry overseas. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) supports defence exports through an active and innovative defence diplomacy initiative. All Government Ministers travelling overseas are encouraged to promote the best that Britain has to offer, including in defence and security. MOD Ministers are actively promoting defence aviation exports to international partners. Last year, I and my ministerial colleagues attended the Farnborough International Air Show which showcases the UK aviation industry, and a number of exhibitions around the world.
	We recognise the important contribution defence exports can make in supporting our key strategic relationships. Exports can also help to maintain the UK’s defence and aerospace industry, which employs about 300,000 people, many of whom are highly skilled and are based in north west England. Defence exports can help to reduce the cost to the taxpayer of MOD acquisition programmes through longer production runs, sharing of overheads on defence industrial facilities and contributing to development costs.
	The MOD also provides international defence training to overseas pilots as part of defence diplomacy initiatives and often as part of export packages. The MOD is supporting a number of Hawk and Typhoon campaigns, including the Typhoon bid to India where we are delighted that the aircraft has been short-listed. Last year, 13 international students were trained on Hawk and Typhoon aircraft.

Departmental Billing

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many invoices his Department received in respect of goods or services supplied by tier 1 suppliers between 1 May 2010 and 1 April 2011; and how many of those invoices were not paid within the period of time specified in the Government’s fair payment guidance.

Peter Luff: In the period between 1 May 2010 and 1 April 2011, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) received 9,365 invoices from tier 1 suppliers related to construction contracts covered by the fair payment guidance. Separate records are not kept for the number of these invoices paid within 14 days, but 26 of the invoices mentioned above were not paid within 30 days.
	The MOD already aims to pay at least 80% of all invoices within five days in accordance with its prompt payment target. Over the period in question, the MOD paid 95.2% of all invoices within five days.

Departmental Billing

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what mechanism his Department has established to ensure its payments are passed through the supply chain to each tier in accordance with the last date for payment defined in the Government’s fair payment guidance.

Peter Luff: The principles of fair payment are set out in a charter signed by all the former Defence Estates (now Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO)) key suppliers agreeing to hasten payment to supply chain members once paid by the Ministry of Defence.
	In addition, project bank accounts (PBAs) have been included in those DIO contracts with a total value exceeding £500 million as the primary vehicle to implement fair payment, and our next generation estate contracts programme will see PBAs used as a matter of course.

Departmental Data Protection

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many contracts his Department holds which allow contractors to store personal data of UK citizens overseas; to which contracts this applies; in which countries the data for each such contract are held; and how many people have their data stored overseas under each such contract.

Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence holds eight contracts where personal data of UK citizens are held overseas. The following table provides the name of the contract, the country in which the data are held and the approximate number of records stored.
	
		
			 Contract Country in which data are held Approximate number of personal records held 
			 Defence Travel Electronic Booking Information System France 180,000 
			  USA 20,000 
			 Defence Travel: Travel Management Contract USA 310,000 
		
	
	
		
			 Royal Navy Community Website USA 18,000 
			 e-bluey—hybrid system for the exchange of mail between Service personnel and family and friends USA 33,962 
			 Air Movements Information System (AMIS) Germany (1)10,000 
			 Remote Access Movements Portal (RAMP) USA(2) (3)100,000 
			 iNCS (Interim New Clothing Solution) Canada 6,867 
			 (1) Per month. Records are deleted 24 hours plus one minute after final sector of flight is completed. (2) Department of Transport (3) Per annum. Records are deleted after seven days 
		
	
	Fitlinxx, which provides fitness training programmes for service personnel, also hold a contract that allows for personal data of UK citizens to be held in the US. I will write to my hon. Friend with details of the number of records held once this information is available, and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date special advisers in his Department last used the Government car pool to travel in an official capacity; and on how many occasions a special adviser in his Department has travelled to their home address using the Government car pool since May 2010.

Peter Luff: The use of official cars and taxis by civil servants, and special advisers, is governed by the requirements of the Civil Service Management Code.
	We have taken Government car pool to mean the Government Car and Despatch Agency.
	Special advisers have not made any use of these cars either for official travel or travel home.

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on special advisers’ travel by (a) Government car, (b) private hire car, (c) train, (d) bus, (e) commercial aircraft and (f) private aircraft since May 2010.

Peter Luff: To keep costs as low as possible, the Ministry of Defence uses an electronic booking system together with Hogg Robinson Group that searches for and provides the cheapest and most competitive prices available through their travel search engine.
	Costs cover all travel undertaken by the Department’s special advisers over a 12-month period as part of their duties in support of ministerial visits around the UK and overseas. This includes, but is not limited to, visits to armed forces personnel deployed on operations and attendance at key defence diplomacy engagements.
	The use of official cars and taxis by civil servants and special advisers is governed by the requirements of the Civil Service Management Code.
	Data are provided in the following table:
	
		
			 Amount spent from May 2010 to 13 May 2011 
			 Form of transport £ 
			 Government Car 0 
			 Private Hire Car 0 
			 Train 877.80 
			 Bus 0 
			 Commercial Aircraft 56,733.26 
			 Private Aircraft 0

Departmental Mobile Phones

Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the name is of each contractor or supplier of (a) mobile telephone and (b) mobile data services to his Department.

Peter Luff: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer the Under-Secretary of State my right hon. Friend the Member for South Leicestershire (Mr Robathan), gave on 26 April 2011, Official Report, column 68W.
	The Defence Fixed Telecommunications Service (DFTS) provides most of our mobile communications requirements. Under the DFTS agreement with BT, mobile communications devices including mobile telephones, BlackBerrys, 3G data cards and associated data services are supplied by Vodafone.

Departmental Rail Travel

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many first class rail journeys were undertaken by staff in his Department between April 2010 and April 2011; and what the total cost was of such journeys.

Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence service and civilian staff made a total of 3,356 rail journeys first class in 2010-11 at a total cost of £226,177. This represents a reduction in the cost of first-class rail travel of 96% compared to 2009-10. These statistics reflect ticket bookings made through the defence travel contract. Our staff may also arrange rail travel outside the central contract in certain circumstances but we do not hold a breakdown of such travel by class of travel.
	While some staff have an entitlement to first-class rail travel, standard-class travel using the cheapest possible tickets is now the norm and significant savings have been achieved.
	Further work is being undertaken to ensure our governance arrangements are robust and examine whether they need to be further tightened.

Departmental Work Experience

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice his Department provides to those wishing to (a) work as an intern, (b) undertake a work experience placement and (c) work as a volunteer in his Department.

Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) offers a number of summer diversity internships for undergraduates each year. Full information on this scheme is available on the following website:
	www.civilservice.gov.uk/faststream.
	This year we are offering five places. Work experience placements are generally short-term, most commonly during half term and other holidays, for year 10 and 11 students, college students (17 to 19 years) and undergraduates. We advise anyone who wants to undertake a work experience placement to contact their nearest MOD establishment. The MOD does not offer opportunities to volunteer in the Department.

Guided Weapons

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Brimstone missiles have been used in Afghanistan in each month since January 2010.

Nick Harvey: I am withholding the information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

Hawk Aircraft

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what date he expects the T1 Hawk training aircraft to be retired.

Peter Luff: The Hawk T1 current planned out of service date is 2020. The aircraft is scheduled to cease its fast jet pilot training role at RAF Valley by December 2012, by which time it will have been replaced in this role by the Hawk T2 Advanced Jet Trainer. The Hawk T1 will continue to operate in other roles, including as part of the Royal Air Force aerobatic team.

Hawk Aircraft

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) T1 and (b) T2 Hawk aircraft were (i) in service, (ii) in the forward fleet and (iii) fit for purpose on the most recent date for which figures are available.

Peter Luff: The available information is provided in the following table.
	
		
			  In service fleet Forward fleet Fit for purpose 
			 Hawk T1 127 88 60 
			 Hawk T2 20 19 10 
		
	
	In service aircraft include those undergoing planned depth maintenance but exclude those which are redundant, declared as surplus or awaiting disposal. The forward fleet comprises aircraft which are serviceable or short-term unserviceable. Fit for purpose aircraft include only serviceable aircraft available to the front-line commands for operational and training purposes. The number of aircraft available in each category varies according to normal fleet management activities including requirements for mandated maintenance and upgrade programmes. Figures for forward fleet and fit for purpose are the monthly average for April 2011.
	Two Hawk T1s involved in an accident in March 2010 have been disposed of and this has reduced the total T1 in service fleet from 129 to 127. The Hawk T2 in service fleet has increased by three to 20 due to aircraft deliveries. This answer therefore updates the figures for Hawk T1 and T2 given in previous answers on 18 January 2011, Official Report, column 748W, and 27 January 2011, Official Report, column 478W.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what comparative assessment he undertook on an airframe basis of the long-term support and ownership costs of the Joint Combat Aircraft with the (a) F-18E Super Hornet, (b) Dassault Rafale and (c) naval variant of the Eurofighter.

Peter Luff: Previous studies, which included comparisons with F-18, Dassault Rafale and a “navalised” variant of the Eurofighter, have consistently concluded that the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) provided the best value for money in light of our future capability requirements.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate what proportion of the long-term support and maintenance for the Joint Combat Aircraft can be completed in the UK under the current United States classification regime for that aircraft; and what proportion of the total amount of the projected annual maintenance cost such support and maintenance represents.

Peter Luff: In signing the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme's Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) Memorandum of Understanding in 2006 the UK secured a bilateral agreement with the US concerning our requirements for operational sovereignty on the UK Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA). This includes a requirement that all long-term support and maintenance for the JCA will be carried out in the UK, using the economies of scale of the JSF global supply chain to deliver an efficient support solution to the UK and its partners. We have yet to estimate what percentage of the annual support costs will be expended in the UK as the details of the JSF global support solution will not be finalised for several years.

Joint Strike Fighter Programme

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many (a) service personnel, (b) civil personnel and (c) contractors there are in each of the integrated product teams working on the Joint Strike Fighter programme;
	(2)  what the financial contribution of his Department is expected to be in respect of each integrated product team within the Joint Strike Fighter programme (a) in the current financial year and (b) in each of the next four financial years.

Peter Luff: The Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA) is the UK requirement within the overall Joint Strike Fighter programme. We do not retain information on the number of staff, their functions or cost to the over-arching JSF programme. Currently there are 36 UK civilian personnel, 34 UK service personnel and 13 contractor personnel working on the JCA programme, at an expected total running cost, including salaries, of approximately £9 million in the current financial year. We expect these numbers to grow slightly over the next four financial years, however, numbers have not been finalised due to ongoing restrictions on departmental employment.

Libya: Armed Conflict

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on weapons deployed on operations over Libya since the commencement of military action.

Peter Luff: The gross book value, inclusive of VAT, of precision guided weapons fired in support of Operation Ellamy between 19 March and 8 May this year is £43.77 million.

Libya: Armed Conflict

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has sought any legal opinion on the compatibility with UN Security Council Resolution 1973 of any changes to directions on the targeting of personnel in Libya.

Nick Harvey: Our military objective remains unchanged: to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1973, which authorises the enforcement of “all necessary measures” to protect civilians under threat of attack.
	Departmental officials have worked closely with Ministry of Defence legal advisers on Libya including in relation to the targeting process.

Nuclear Submarines

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of the research, development and production of Pressurised Water Reactor 3 for the four Vanguard replacement submarines;
	(2)  how much of the expenditure on developing and building the PWR3 reactor he expects to be incurred with suppliers in the United States;
	(3)  how much has been spent by his Department on research and development of the PRW2b reactor.

Peter Luff: holding answer 23 May 2011
	The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset (Dr Fox), announced to the House on 18 May 2011, Official Report, columns 351-363, the approval of the “Initial Gate” investment decision for the programme to replace the Vanguard submarines and the selection of a broad design option that included PWR3 to be taken forward into full design. A decision on the number of submarines will not be taken until main gate in 2016.
	As detailed in ‘The United Kingdom's Future Nuclear Deterrent: The Submarine Initial Gate Parliamentary Report’, the Ministry of Defence has spent around £900 million on the submarine concept phase, which included an analysis of the different reactor options. Additional research and development of PWR3 will take place as part of the assessment phase. Overall, this phase is expected to total some £3 billion. No further research or development of PWR2b will take place.
	I am withholding more detailed costs of the submarine components as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.
	Although further work needs to be done between now and main gate to refine our estimates, we expect the cost of the overall successor deterrent system to remain within the White Paper cost envelope of £15 billion to £20 billion at 2006-07 prices, of which £11 billion to £14 billion would be attributed to the cost of the replacement platform system.
	A full copy of ‘The United Kingdom's Future Nuclear Deterrent: The Submarine Initial Gate Parliamentary Report’ can be found at the following website:
	http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/7F9F5815-C67B-47B1-B5C4-168E8AB50DC3/O/submarine_initial_gate.pdf
	Copies have been placed in the Vote Office and Library of the House.

Nuclear Submarines

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of suitable sites for a prototype Pressurised Water Reactor 3; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  if he will estimate the cost of building a prototype Pressurised Water Reactor 3;
	(3)  whether he has any plans to build a prototype Pressurised Water Reactor 3.

Peter Luff: holding answer 23 May 2011
	I will make an announcement in due course.

Peacekeeping Operations

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of awarding the Operational Allowance to members of the armed forces deployed on operations in Libya.

Peter Luff: The value of the operational allowance was doubled in May 2010 to its current level of £29.02 per day and there are in the region of 1,400 personnel participating in Operation Ellamy overseas. If the operational allowance were extended to include this deployment the estimated cost would be in the region of £1.2 million per calendar month.
	The aim of the operational allowance is to recognise the significantly increased and enduring nature of the danger in specified operational locations. Libya is not considered such at this time as we are not conducting land base operations, and air patrols are being conducted from airfields elsewhere. But we are keeping this position on the operational allowance under constant review.

Public Expenditure

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his most recent estimate is of the level of funding (a) required and (b) allocated in order to meet his Department's commitments.

Peter Luff: Prior to the strategic defence and security review (SDSR) a gap of £38 billion was calculated between the cost of the defence programme and the Ministry of Defence budget under an assumption that it rises in line with inflation over the 10 years 2011-12 to 2020-21,
	The SDSR and the departmental planning round 2011 have made significant steps in closing that gap. However, we have always been clear that more would need to be done.
	The Department has committed to producing an assessment of the costs and affordability of the equipment programme, accompanied by an independent audit from the National Audit Office. This will be published later this year. It would be inappropriate to speculate on the size of any remaining gap in the meantime.

Research

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's research and technology budget was in each financial year since 2000-01.

Peter Luff: The most recently published figures for net Ministry of Defence (MOD) research spending in “UK Defence Statistics 2010”, which includes the research programme controlled by the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA), and other activity reported as “research” in the accounts across the MOD, are shown in the following table (figures are inclusive of non-recoverable VAT at current prices):
	
		
			  £ million 
			 2000-01 566 
			 2001-02 557 
			 2002-03 515 
			 2003-04 524 
			 2004-05 639 
			 2005-06 598 
			 2006-07 632 
			 2007-08 635 
			 2008-09 584 
		
	
	MOD research expenditure statistics are designated national statistics status and as such the release of the figures for 2009-10 and 2010-11 are embargoed until their publication by the Office for National Statistics in September 2011 and 2012, respectively. However, the organisation within the MOD charged with management and procurement of research for the CSA, the largest part of the reported expenditure, recorded a net resource out-turn of some £466 million for 2009-10 and was allocated a budget of £439 million for 2010-11.
	As I have informed the House in the answer I gave on 16 May 2011, Official Report, column 6, to my right hon. Friend the Member for North East Hampshire (Mr Arbuthnot), the science and technology budget will rise in cash terms over the comprehensive spending review period.
	A complete time series detailing MOD research expenditure is published in UK Defence Statistics (Table 1.8), a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

RFA Largs Bay

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people were recorded as having been assisted by RFA Largs Bay after the earthquake in Haiti.

Nick Harvey: There are no records relating to the numbers of people assisted by the involvement of RFA Largs Bays in the relief operations following the earthquake in Haiti in January 2010. I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 26 April 2011,
	Official Report
	, column 78W, where I made clear that the vessel's role was to provide much needed supplies and equipment, but as none of the ship's personnel landed beyond the beach and no direct medical treatment was given on board the ship, it was not possible to identify how many people benefited from their contribution to the relief effort.
	However, RFA Largs Bay played a critical role in delivering relief supplies as part of a wider UK and international effort. Following the initial delivery of 595 linear metres of relief supplies, corrugated sheeting and logistics equipment, including fork lift trucks and four-wheel drive vehicles, Largs Bay remained on station delivering essential supplies on behalf of international aid agencies to stricken communities around Haiti. This task could only be undertaken by sea due to extensive road and airport infrastructure damage and Largs Bay was particularly suited to the task due to the unique beach landing capability. Largs Bay's effort was part of the wider UK £20 million contribution that helped to provide more than 380,000 people with food, clean water and medical care.
	Following the strategic defence and security review, the Ministry of Defence retains a variety of Royal Navy vessels able to offer humanitarian assistance.

Trident Submarines

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's latest estimate is of the cost for the Trident submarine replacement programme's concept phase and assessment phase in (a) constant 2006 prices and (b) project outturn prices accounting for inflation.

Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's most recent estimate is of the cost of the Trident submarine replacement programme's concept phase and assessment phase in (a) constant 2006 prices and (b) project outturn prices accounting for inflation.

Nick Harvey: The latest estimate of the cost of the Trident submarine replacement programme concept and assessment phases is as follows:
	
		
			 Phase 2006 constant prices Outturn prices 
			 Concept £850 million £900 million 
			 Assessment £2.3 billion £3.0 billion

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Aarhus Convention

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who will be representing the UK at the meeting of parties to the Aarhus convention in June 2011.

Richard Benyon: The UK will be represented by DEFRA officials at the forthcoming Meeting of the Parties to the Aarhus convention. The delegation will comprise three officials: two policy experts and one legal expert.

Air Pollution: Greater London

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she plans to take to reduce the risk of exceeding European Commission requirements on nitrogen dioxide air quality limits in London.

Richard Benyon: This Government are committed to working towards compliance with European air quality standards.
	Although much of the UK meets the EU air quality limits for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), the UK, along with many other European countries, faces a significant challenge in meeting the limit values in London and other major urban areas by 2015. We are working with the Mayor of London, the devolved Administrations, other government departments and local authorities to identify actions to help the UK meet the NO2 limits in the shortest time possible, and expect to publish our plans for consultation in June. These must be submitted to the European Commission by September this year.
	Government recently made an extra £5 million available to help tackle some of London's worst pollution hotspots. This money will help support a variety of measures such as traffic smoothing measures, the development of a no-idling zone, local cycling and walking schemes, and the introduction of ‘greening' (e.g. tree and vegetation planting).
	I would refer my hon. Friend to the Mayor's Air Quality Strategy (see the following link), which sets out the Mayor's plans for improving London's air quality with measures aimed at reducing emissions from transport, homes, offices and new developments, as well as raising awareness of air quality issues. The Mayor's Air Quality Strategy is available at:
	http://www.london.gov.uk/publication/mayors-air-quality-strategy

Angling

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the net contribution to the economy of recreational bass fishing in England; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: I recognise the importance of recreational sea angling and the social, economic and conservation benefits associated with the sport. I am also aware there is little information available on recreational activity such as how many fishing trips take place or how many people fish from our piers and beaches.
	To address this lack of information, DEFRA, in conjunction with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO); the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science; and the newly established Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authorities, has recently committed funds to the ‘Sea Angling 2012’ research project. This project will provide the most comprehensive information ever collected on recreational sea angling activity, catches and economic value in England. The recreational bass fishery will, of course, as one of England's key recreational species, be included in this wider work.
	The information gathered by this project, including the economic data, will allow better informed, evidence-based decisions to be made on issues which are of importance to sea anglers—at both local and national level.

Animal Welfare: Circuses

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent estimate she has made of the average amount of time each day circus animals spend in cages.

James Paice: No such assessment has been made.

British Waterways Board

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what meetings her Department has had with the Charity Commission to discuss her proposals to transfer the assets and liabilities of British Waterways into a charitable trust.

Richard Benyon: DEFRA has had informal conversations with the Charity Commission. These have considered: the consultation proposal on governance for the new waterways charity; informal feedback on our consultation document on those aspects of the charity that concern the Charity Commission; and an early discussion on the process for registering the charity with the Charity Commission.

British Waterways Board

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with which organisations her Department has had discussions on the transfer of the assets and liabilities of British Waterways into a charitable trust.

Richard Benyon: British Waterways championed the proposal to move to civil society with their stakeholders, when they published their ‘Twenty Twenty—a Vision for the Future of our Canals and Rivers’ in 2009.
	At an early stage of Government's support for the move, we discussed emerging proposals for the charity with other Government Departments, many of our key stakeholders and a number of civil society organisations, including: those represented on DEFRA's Advisory Body on Civil Society and the Charity Commission.
	We are now consulting formally on our proposals for the new waterways charity and during the consultation period, we are holding a series of meetings and workshops with key stakeholders and other interested parties. The consultation document can be found at:
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2011/03/30/waterways-1103/

Carbon Emissions

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has any plans to assess the UK's emissions output using consumption-based inventories.

James Paice: In 2008 DEFRA published an evidence study that measured the UK's emissions taking a consumption-based approach. The report is titled “Embedded carbon emissions indicator—EV02033”. We are now carrying out further work to update these findings.

Commons Councils

Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many applications for Commons Councils have been submitted since 2006; and how many such applications were approved in (a) England and (b) the south-east.

Richard Benyon: There is no provision in Part 2 of the Commons Act 2006 for applications to establish a commons council, and no commons council has yet been established. However, DEFRA and Natural England are working with three candidates to establish commons councils, in relation to Bodmin Moor, Brendon Common (Exmoor) and Cumbria. There are, at present, no candidates in relation to south-east England. We expect, in response to one or more robust proposals, to set up at least one commons council in 2011-12.

Dairy Farming

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the prospects for the dairy farming industry.

James Paice: In 2009-10 the average farm business income on dairy farms in England, as measured by the Farm Business Survey, amounted to around £56,000. Within this, over £24,000 was contributed by agricultural activities on the farm. The remainder came from agri-environment schemes, farm-based diversified activities and the single payment. Forecasts for 2010-11 suggest that average farm business income on dairy farms in England will fall by around 24% to some £42,500. This is in line with other types of livestock farm and reflects principally higher costs, particularly those associated with purchased feed.
	A survey of farmers' intentions, carried out in 2010 by DairyCo, showed that almost a third of dairy farmers in the UK intended to increase their milk production over the following two years. The percentage of dairy farmers intending to implement a succession plan in the next decade increased to 43%, from 24% in 2009.
	Within the Farm Business Survey a new project has just been initiated to assess farmer intentions, including dairy farmers. This will examine intentions for changes in business size and structure, including plans to expand, contract or quit milk production. Results will be available later this year.
	We are confident that the UK dairy farming industry has a strong future but it will need to continue to respond to technological change and market opportunities so as to innovate, add greater value and improve its competitiveness.

Dairy Farming: Insolvency

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many dairy farm businesses entered administration in each of the last five years.

James Paice: DEFRA does not hold figures on the number of dairy farmers entering administration. DEFRA does, however, hold information on the number of dairy farmers exiting the industry each year.
	The following table gives the number of registered UK dairy production holdings recorded each June for the last five years, together with the change from the previous year.
	
		
			  Holdings Change From Previous 
			 2006 19,011 -1,302 
			 2007 17,915 -1,096 
			 2008 17,060 -855 
			 2009 16,404 -656 
			 2010 15,716 -688

Departmental Buildings

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) name and (b) address is of each building owned by her Department; and what the estimated monetary value is of each such building.

Richard Benyon: The following schedule provides details of and existing use values for the freehold and long leasehold property assets currently held by DEFRA.
	These valuation figures represent the monetary value of the property assets in their existing use for the furtherance of DEFRA’s business activities. In the case of specialist properties, such as laboratories and research facilities, the existing use value is often in excess of the open market value of the property with vacant possession.
	The schedule contains operational assets and those owned assets which are surplus or which will be surplus to business need in the medium term.
	
		
			 Romeo No. Building Location Tenure Existing use value March 2010 
			 079 VIC Kendal Road Harlescott Shrewsbury Freehold 3,665,000 
			 081 VIC Barton Hall Garstang Road Preston Freehold 5,020,000 
			 082 The Nothe Barrack Road Weymouth Freehold 11,180,000 
			 083 VIC Langford House Langford Bristol Long leasehold 905,000 
			 085 Staplake Mount Starcross Exeter Freehold 5,105,000 
			 086 VIC Polwhele Truro Road Truro Freehold 690,000 
			 087 VLA Woodham Lane New Haw Weybridge Freehold 145,746,314 
			 094 Lowestoft Fish Lab Complex Pakefield Road Lowestoft Freehold 4,526,721 
			 101 Thirsk VIC West House Station Road Thirsk Freehold 3,580,000 
			 102 Radiobiological Lab West Pier Whitehaven Long leasehold 10,000 
			 129 Government Buildings Whittington Road Worcester Freehold 5,800,000 
			 133 Prince of Wales House Prince of Wales Road Dorchester Long leasehold 380,000 
			 138 Quantock House Paul Street Taunton Freehold 3,200,000 
			 141 Pydar House Pydar Street Truro Freehold 3,500,000 
			 153 Government Buildings Coley Park Reading Freehold 2,500,000 
			 158 Government Buildings Southgate Street Bury St Edmunds Freehold 1,550,000 
			 168 Ceres House Searby Road Lincoln Long leasehold 1,034,000 
			 175 Crosskill House Mill Lane Beverley Freehold 1,945,000 
			 177 Eden Bridge House Lowther Street Carlisle Freehold 2,900,000 
			 186 Agricola House Gilwilly Trading Estate Penrith Long leasehold 260,000 
			 193 55 Whitehall London Long leasehold 8,200,000 
			 216 Wildlife Unit Aston Down Stroud Freehold 675,000 
			 227 46 Fore Street Newlyn Freehold 100,000 
			 230 Longacre House Frome Road Trowbridge Freehold 245,000 
			 237 VIC Itchen Abbas Winchester Freehold 3,350,000 
			 251 Crown Building Whitehouse Lane Cambridge Long leasehold 980,000 
			 272 VIC Longbenton Whitley Road Newcastle upon Tyne Freehold 2,195,000 
			 278 VIC Rougham Hill Bury St Edmunds Freehold 3,510,000 
			 281 Fera Sand Hutton York Freehold 101,974,246 
			 505 VIC Luddington College Road Stratford-on-Avon Freehold 4,110,000 
			 533 VIC Jobs Well Lane Heol Dyfnallt Carmarthen Freehold 2,060,000 
			 534 VIC Buarth Road Aberystwyth Long leasehold 820,000 
			 557 Curwen Road Workington Freehold 2,100,000 
			 562 Hornbeam House Electra Way Crewe Long leasehold 3,100,000 
			 569 Saffron House Tigers Rd Wigston Leicester Freehold 815,000 
			 598 Watchtree FMD Site Allerdale Carlisle Freehold -6,040,000 
			 599 Tow Law FMD Site Durham Freehold -810,000 
			 613 Ash Moor FMD Site Meeth Tiverton Freehold 300,000 
			 617 Throckmorton—Areas A, B and C FMD Site Long Lane Pershore Long leasehold -3,000,000 
		
	
	
		
			 663 Eastbrook Shaftesbury Road Cambridge Freehold 6,000 
			 767 Zebra House Great North Road Alnwick Freehold 1,600,000 
			 087(2) Holme Farm Weybridge Freehold 95,000 
			 087(3) Coombelands Farm Weybridge Freehold 8,105,000 
			 087(4) Grange and Manor Farm Weybridge Freehold 4,435,000 
			 087(5) Halls Farm Weybridge Freehold 2,970,000 
			 087(6) Appstree Farm Weybridge Freehold 1,750,000 
			 087(7) Old Rectory Farm Weybridge Freehold 2,020,000 
			 087 Grange Farm, Coombelands Farm and Hall Farm dwellings Weybridge Freehold 2,710,000 
			 087 Rectory Farm Weybridge Freehold 0 
			 308 Arthur Rickwood Farm Mepal Freehold 1,000,000 
			 308 Arthur Rickwood Farm—Sheep Building Mepal Freehold 2,348,000 
			 308 Arthur Rickwood farm dwellings Mepal Freehold 385,000 
			 311 Drayton Farm Stratford-on-Avon Freehold 30,318,500 
			 311(1) Drayton Farm dwellings Stratford-on-Avon Freehold 1,100,000 
			 311(2) Drayton Office/Laboratory Stratford-on-Avon Freehold 75,000 
			 054 Sowerby Buffer Depot Victoria Avenue Thirsk Freehold 275,000 
			 061 Rhydymwyn PSA Supply Depot Nant Alyn Road Mold Freehold (5,000,000) 
			 067 Workshop Polwhele Truro Freehold 270,000 
			 131 Burghill Road Westbury on Trym Bristol Long leasehold 1,750,000 
			 268 Rhydymwyn Building No. 2 Mold Freehold 60,000 
			 272 Newcastle upon Tyne Longbenton Surplus Land Newcastle upon Tyne Freehold 970,000 
			 302 Sewage Treatment Plant Milford Road Efford Freehold 0 
			 308 Paradise Cottage, Arthur Rickwood Farm Mepal Freehold 145,000 
			 309 Boxworth Farm offices Battlegate Road Boxworth Freehold 1,000,000 
			 309 Boxworth Farm remaining Land (Extra Farm) Boxworth Freehold 450,000 
			 311(3) Nutritional Science Unit Drayton Farm Stratford-on-Avon Freehold 55,000 
			 617 Throckmorton Airfield farmland Pershore Freehold. 850,000 
			 703 John Dower House Crescent Place Cheltenham Freehold 1,750,000

Departmental Mobile Phones

Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the name is of each contractor or supplier of (a) mobile telephone and (b) mobile data services to her Department.

Richard Benyon: The information requested is included in the following table.
	
		
			   Executive Agencies 
			  DEFRA RPA CEFAS FERA VMD AH VLA 
			 (a) Supplier of mobile phones Vodafone Vodafone Orange Vodafone Orange Vodafone Orange T Mobile Vodafone Orange Vodafone 
			 (b) Supplier of mobile data services Vodafone Vodafone Vodafone Vodafone Orange T Mobile Vodafone Vodafone Orange Vodafone 
			 Notes: CEFAS—has one handset from Orange due to signal coverage. FERA—The main contractor/supplier of mobile telephone services is Vodafone with some additional provision by Orange. The main contractor/supplier of mobile data services is Vodafone with some additional provision by Orange.

Departmental Travel

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has been spent on travel in respect of (a) each of her Department's executive agencies and (b) the chief executive of each such agency since May 2010.

Richard Benyon: The information requested is included in the following table:
	
		
			 Executive agencies 
			 £ 
			  RPA CEFAS FERA VMD AH VLA 
			 (a) Travel 2,400,000 494,721 630,634 189,688 2,382,172 441,424 
		
	
	
		
			 (b) Chief executives travel 5,797 6,191 8,879 4,679 8,470 3,081 
			 Notes: 1. VLA: Travel includes staff mileage payments and excludes accommodation and subsistence. The CEO travel costs also include/exclude these and both are for 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 2. VMD: Period is 1 May 2010 to 30 April 2011. Both figures exclude costs of travel recovered from EU Commission and industry. 3. AH: Period is for 1 May 2010 to 30 April 2011. The travel total includes all operational travel by the Veterinary and Technical grades. The CEO total is for the period 1 May 2010 to 31 March 2011. 4. CEFAS: Period is 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011. Includes travel: air, rail, bus/coach, ferry/channel tunnel and taxis (private hire). These include journeys undertaken in the fulfilment of non-Government customer contracts. The travel cost for these non-Government contracts is reimbursed by the recipient of these services in the charges made and income received. 5. FERA: Expenditure is for the period May 2010 to March 2011. 6. RPA: Expenditure is for the period May 2010 to March 2011. 
		
	
	The information is provided on the basis that the final accounts for the year 2010-11 are still being audited by the National Audit Office.

Food: Origin Marking

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Protected Destinations of Origin designations have been made in the last 10 years.

James Paice: Since 2001, three UK applications submitted to. the EU have been awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status under the EU Protected Food Names (PFN) scheme. These are:
	Staffordshire Cheese (2007)
	Isle of Man Manx Loaghtan Lamb (2008)
	Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb (2010)
	During the same period, a further six UK products have received Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) status and one has been registered as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG).
	Further information about the scheme and the food and drink names which have been registered under it can be found on the DEFRA website at:
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/food-farm/food/protected-names/

Food: Origin Marking

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in respect of which products have applications for approval to be awarded Protected Destinations of Origin been submitted which are awaiting a decision.

James Paice: There are 10 UK applications currently being considered for registration as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products. These are at various stages of the process as follows:
	
		
			 At EU stage Under DEFRA assessment Under development with ADAS  (1) 
			 Isle of Man Queenies Fal Oysters Guernsey Butter 
			 Native Shetland Wool — Jersey Black Butter 
			 — — Lakeland Herdwick Lamb 
			 — — Sussex Fowl 
			 — — Welsh Cider 
			 — — Welsh Perry 
			 — — Halen Mon Anglesey Sea Salt 
			 (1) ADAS act as the delivery agent for DEFRA with respect to certain activities under the Protected Food Name Scheme. These include working with applicant groups. 
		
	
	Further information about the scheme and the applications can be found on the DEFRA website at:
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/food-farm/food/protected-names/

Food: Waste

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much imported food was destroyed as a result of being declared unfit for human consumption in the latest period for which figures are available.

James Paice: Neither DEFRA nor the Food Standards Agency collects this information centrally. This means that collated data cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.

Origin Marking: Israel

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason the guidelines on place of origin labelling issued by her Department on 10 December 2009 do not apply to all products on sale in the UK that originate in Israeli settlements.

James Paice: The technical advice referred to by the hon. Member only applies to fresh produce since representations made to this Department prior to its issue suggested that labelling guidance would be of particular value in relation to that category of imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Origin labelling of products other than food and drink is the responsibility of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Pigs: Animal Welfare

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effects on domestic pig farmers of imports from countries with lower welfare standards than the UK.

James Paice: All pig producers in the European Union (EU) have to comply with EU pig welfare rules. UK legislation currently requires higher welfare standards for pigs, in a few respects, than in other EU countries. The most significant being that in the UK close-confinement sow stalls have been unilaterally banned since 1999. Similar requirements will not be introduced across the EU until 2013 which will help to provide a more level playing field for UK producers.
	Consumer demand for high welfare products has prompted some retailers to set an animal welfare component within their own private standards which their suppliers (UK and other suppliers) must meet. These are in addition to minimum legal standards set down in EU welfare rules.
	The Government and the UK industry are watching European competitors and the Commission closely to ensure that there is no reneging on implementation of these new standards across the EU.

Pigs: Animal Welfare

Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking (a) nationally and (b) with her EU counterparts to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards are met with respect to the import of pork.

James Paice: All pig producers in the EU have to comply with EU pig welfare rules. UK legislation currently requires higher welfare standards for pigs, in a few respects, than in other EU countries. The most significant being that in the UK close confinement sow stalls have been unilaterally banned since 1999. Similar requirements will not be introduced across the EU until 2013 which will help to provide a more level playing field for UK producers.
	If any member state were to seek an extension to the 2013 sow stall ban, the UK would strongly oppose it. We recognise any extension would disadvantage UK producers who have invested heavily in converting to alternative systems.
	The Government are committed to ensure that food procured by Government Departments and eventually the whole public sector, meets British or equivalent standards of production, wherever this can be achieved, without increasing overall cost. In addition, consumer demand for high welfare products has prompted some retailers to set an animal welfare component within their own private standards which their suppliers (UK and other suppliers) must meet. These are in addition to minimum legal standards set down in EU welfare rules.
	The Government and the UK industry are watching European competitors and the Commission closely to ensure that there is no reneging on implementation of these new standards across the EU.

Plastic Bags

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress has been made on reducing plastic bag usage via retailers in the latest period for which figures are available.

Richard Benyon: Annual figures for the period May 2006 to May 2010 show a continuous year-on-year reduction in the numbers and in the weight of all bags.
	For single use carrier bags, the reduction over the period was 43% in numbers distributed and 51% by weight.

Poultry: Animal Welfare

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what support she expects to receive from other EU member states for her request for an intercommunity trade ban on eggs produced in conventional battery cages after 1 January 2012;
	(2)  whether she has received representations from any EU member state wishing to delay the introduction of the trade ban for eggs produced in conventional battery cages beyond the current deadline;
	(3)  what steps she is taking to ensure that eggs and egg products entering the UK after 1 January 2012 are from legal production systems.

James Paice: We wish to protect compliant producers from any competitive disadvantage of illegal production in other member states or indeed the UK. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman), has urged the European Commission to put additional enforcement measures in place at EU level to prevent market disturbance.
	The introduction of a time limited intra-community trade ban on eggs produced from conventional cages was one of the enforcement options proposed at a stakeholder meeting in Brussels in January 2011 and is still under consideration by the Commission’s legal services.
	As the Secretary of State made it clear at February’s Agriculture Council meeting, when Poland, Romania and Bulgaria sought more time, any delay in implementing the ban would be grossly unfair to all the egg producers in the UK who have made significant investments to convert out of battery cages ahead of the European deadline. No further representations have been received.
	The UK has consistently called for the ban to be implemented in 2012 with strict enforcement by the EU and we will continue to play a full part in EU discussions on a practical enforcement solution.

Poultry: Animal Welfare

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effects of imports from countries with lower welfare standards than the UK on domestic poultry farmers.

James Paice: There is a large body of legislation at European Union (EU) level to improve animal welfare which all livestock producers in the EU have to comply with. EU legislation must be implemented in full across the EU so that UK producers have a level playing field and do not have to try and compete with non-compliant producers.
	As well as promoting high animal welfare standards in this country, we are keen to encourage high animal welfare standards internationally, both in other EU countries and in third countries.
	Within the World Trade Organisation (WTO) multilateral framework there is little scope for the EU to enforce higher levels of production standards, including those relating to animal welfare, in countries from which the EU imports goods. However, OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) is playing a major role in developing and progressing internationally recognised standards for animal welfare.
	The UK continues to work with the European Union and the WTO membership to advocate high animal welfare standards.

River Rom

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to reduce levels of (a) nitrates and (b) eutrophication in the River Rom.

Richard Benyon: In the more urban areas of the River Rom, pollution sources of nitrates and phosphates are generally from misconnections, combined sewer overflows and surcharging sewers. The Environment Agency is working with Thames Water to address misconnections and identify improvements needed.
	Part of the River Rom in the more rural areas is designated as a nitrate vulnerable zone. Farmers in the more rural areas along the River Rom will have to comply with the nitrates directive and this requires them to prepare a risk map for land on which they intend to spread nitrate rich fertilisers. The Environment Agency carries out farm visits to check compliance and deal with any identified failures on a risk-based approach.
	Working with landowners, local authorities and local business in a collaborative approach, an action plan will be produced for the River Rom by the end of 2012. This will identify the additional improvements required to meet the objectives of the water framework directive.

Scallops: Dredging

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made on the effects of scallop dredging on marine ecosystems.

Richard Benyon: As part of the ongoing assessment of the effects of scallop dredging on marine ecosystems, the Government are drawing on a number of different studies, both those funded by DEFRA and those produced by other organisations.
	These studies include a review which Natural England recently undertook on behalf of DEFRA on the risks from all ongoing activities within European marine sites. The review looked at the effects of scallop dredging in Special Areas of Conservation and a copy of Natural England's final report on this can be found on its website at:
	http://naturalengland.etraderstores.com/NaturalEnglandShop/NERR038
	Additionally, ‘Lyme Bay: a case study measuring the effects of benthic species and assessing the potential spillover effects and socio-economic changes’ is currently being undertaken by the University of Plymouth for DEFRA. Information about the project is available on the DEFRA website at:
	http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Menu=Menu& Module=More&Location=None&Completed=0&ProjectID=16366
	A full report will be available when the study concludes in spring 2012.
	Finally, the Seafish Ecodredge project completed in 2003 also provides information on the direct and indirect effects of scallop dredging:
	http://www.seafish.org/media/Publications/CR199_200Ecodredge_Executive_Summary.pdf

Set-aside Schemes

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what assessment she has made of the effects on biodiversity of the ending of set-aside;
	(2)  whether she has considered the merits of introducing an incentive similar to set-aside to promote wildlife conservation in agricultural areas.

James Paice: Set-aside was originally introduced as a means to control production. Its requirements also provided a range of environmental benefits that helped biodiversity by providing winter and summer nesting habitat and food sources for farmland birds, as well as supporting a range of more common plants, insects and mammals and improving the quality of soil and water. The set-aside mechanism was abolished from January 2009. Consequently, many of the recognised environmental benefits of set-aside land may have been lost.
	Agri-environment schemes such as Environmental Stewardship already offer incentives to farmers to undertake wildlife conservation and other environmental management of their land. Our schemes are better attuned to delivering environmental benefits than simply taking land out of production. Nearly 60,000 farmers are signed up to our schemes.
	The Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE), which was launched in November 2009, gives the farming community itself the opportunity to demonstrate that through their own actions, farmers are best placed to decide on and tackle their local environmental priorities, improve biodiversity and promote wildlife conservation, without regulation. My priority is to ensure the campaign is a success. I do not believe that Government should regulate if the farming industry delivers enhanced benefits for wildlife in agricultural areas. A CFE working group has been set up to assess and measure the environmental outcomes the work being done by farmers is delivering.

Zoos: Licensing

Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department takes to disseminate information to zoos on requirements in respect of the licensing of animals.

James Paice: Advice and guidance on the provisions of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 is published on the DEFRA website. Government Circular 02/2003 in particular contains detailed information on the inspection and licensing of zoos.
	Information relating to animal health conditions for trade within the EU and import of zoo animals into the EU from third countries is provided through DEFRA's regular meetings with stakeholders. The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) has issued comprehensive guidance on the requirements for trade to zoos and other premises that keep exotic animals.
	Information relating to changes in EU legislation and international disease threats is available on the DEFRA website and is circulated by DEFRA through Customer Importer Information Notes and Official Veterinary Surgeon Notes. Zoos can be added to the distribution list for these notes at their request.
	Licensing requirements for species listed under the Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) are publicised on the AHVLA website. AHVLA also sends out a CITES bulletin twice a year and holds biannual meetings with members of the Sustainable Users Network (SUN). Several zoos are SUN members and are on the CITES bulletin distribution list.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

China: Overseas Aid

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 16 May 2011, Official Report, column 14W, on departmental manpower, what his Department's aid contribution to China is; how such aid is provided; when provision of such aid is due to conclude; and whether all his Department's staff based in China will be withdrawn from that country after such aid provision has concluded.

Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International Development's bilateral aid programme to China ended in March 2011. DFID will retain a small number of staff in the British embassy in Beijing to strengthen the UK Government's partnership with China on global development issues, including climate change, peacekeeping and poverty reduction in Africa.

Departmental CCTV

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many CCTV cameras are installed in and around his Department's premises; and how much such cameras cost to (a) install and (b) operate in the latest period for which figures are available.

Alan Duncan: CCTV systems are in use at both our UK sites, however for security reasons it would not be appropriate to provide details of the number of cameras.
	The original installation was undertaken during the building fit-out and the specific cost of this element is not available. Replacement and operating costs are included as part of wider contracts for the maintenance of security equipment and the provision of guarding services. There is no cost breakdown for the operating costs.

Departmental Manpower

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 16 May 2011, Official Report, column 14W, on departmental manpower, how many staff of his Department are based in (a) Belgium, (b) Italy, (c) France, (d) Switzerland and (e) the US.

Stephen O'Brien: The Department for International Development has a total of 20 staff working in Belgium, Italy, France, Switzerland and the USA. Due to security reasons DFID does not release exact numbers of staff based in overseas locations.

Departmental Manpower

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 16 May 2011, Official Report, column 14W, on departmental manpower, for what reasons his Department has employees based in (a) Italy and (b) France.

Stephen O'Brien: Department for International Development (DFID) officials are based in Italy serving in the UK delegation who have overall responsibility for the UK's engagement with the Rome based UN Food and Agriculture Agencies. We have staff serving in the EU delegation, advising on food security, agriculture and rural development. DFID also has staff in France serving in the UK delegation with overall responsibility for UK engagement with UNESCO.

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department spent on special advisers' travel by (a) Government car, (b) private hire car, (c) train, (d) bus, (e) commercial aircraft and (f) private aircraft since May 2010.

Alan Duncan: Overseas travel undertaken by special advisers has been to accompany the Secretary of State for International Development in order to provide advice on DFID country programmes and international meetings.
	A breakdown of travel costs for DFID special advisers since May 2010 is as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
			 (a) Government Car 0 
			 (b) Private car hire 0 
			 (c) Train (including Europe) 580.50 
			 (d) Bus 0 
			 (e) Commercial aircraft 34,963.62 
			 (f) Private aircraft 0

Departmental Procurement

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his Department's policy is on procuring fairly traded tea and coffee for internal use; and whether there has been any change in this policy since May 2010.

Alan Duncan: All tea and coffee procured directly by DFID from our contract caterers in the UK for official meetings is fairly traded, and is Fairtrade certified. There has been no change in policy since May 2010.
	Commercially available tea and coffee for sale through the catering outlets in the DFID offices are either Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade certified.

Departmental Research

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what (a) longitudinal and (b) other (i) research and (ii) collection of data his Department has (A) initiated, (B) terminated and (C) amended in the last 12 months; and what such research and data collection exercises undertaken by the Department have not been amended in that period.

Stephen O'Brien: The Research and Evidence division of the Department for International Development (DFID) is responsible for systematically collecting and synthesising evidence and data on international development. This is produced as a global public good available for all users including our own country offices and policy division to ensure our aid programmes are based on evidence of what works. This division has not initiated any substantial longitudinal research in the last 12 months. A number of projects, however, have been initiated (63), terminated (four), and amended (three) in the last 12 months, though the majority of our research and data collection (over 100 projects) have not been amended in that period. I have placed a list of the 63 centrally-funded research projects that have been initiated by DFID in the last 12 months in the Library of the House. Research and data collection is also funded by the regional divisions in DFID to inform their own operations.

Developing Countries: Fossil Fuels

David Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether he has discussed with the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change the potential effect on developing countries of investment by the World Bank in fossil fuels in such countries.

Stephen O'Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have regular discussions on this issue. We work closely together to ensure that the World Bank meets our shared objectives of increasing access to energy for those who lack it, and of reducing the World Bank's investments in fossil fuels and increasing its investment in clean energy.

Developing Countries: Sanitation

Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people his Department plans to provide with (a) access to clean water, (b) improved sanitation and (c) hygiene awareness programmes in each country under the proposals in its Bilateral Aid Review.

Stephen O'Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) aims to provide access to clean water, improved sanitation and hygiene awareness to developing countries as contained in the following table. These are subject to finalisation of operational plans and development of detailed business cases demonstrating the value for money to be achieved by each proposed programme.
	
		
			 Number 
			 Countries People with access to sustainable clean drinking water People with sustainable access to an improved sanitation facility People reached through hygiene promotion activities 
			 Bangladesh 1,278,000 613,000 3,623,200 
			 DRC 6,200,000 6,200,000 6,200,000 
			 Ethiopia 1,400,000 604,000 1,600,000 
			 India (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 Malawi (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 Mozambique 504,000 364,000 — 
			 Nepal 240,000 110,000 195,000 
			 Nigeria 2,900,000 3,800,000 5,500,000 
			 Sierra Leone 1,194,000 1,508,300 2,637,600 
			 Sudan (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 Tanzania 405,000 — — 
			 Vietnam — 325,000 — 
			 Zambia 230,800 3,000,000 3,000,000 
			 Zimbabwe 1,055,000 598,000 920,000 
			 (1) Details will be made available in operational plans for these countries, which be published on the DFID website in due course.

Developing Countries: Sanitation

Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate he has made of the number of people who will be provided with (a) access to clean water, (b) improved sanitation and (c) hygiene awareness programmes delivered through multilateral organisations and funded by his Department in 2011-12.

Stephen O'Brien: We are currently working to determine whether a reliable estimate of the number of people reached through multilaterals in these areas can be readily attributed. This is a complex calculation depending on variable factors including our share of the core funding to each multilateral, how they allocate their funds within sectors and the results they are planning to achieve in 2011-12.

Developing Countries: Sanitation

Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much bilateral aid his Department plans to provide for (a) access to clean water, (b) improved sanitation and (c) hygiene awareness to each developing country in 2011-12.

Stephen O'Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) plans to provide bilateral aid for access to clean water, improved sanitation and hygiene awareness to developing countries in 2011-12 as contained in the following table. These figures are subject to finalisation of operational plans and development of detailed business cases demonstrating the value for money to be achieved by each proposed programme.
	
		
			 Country/region 2011-12 funding (£000) 
			 Democratic Republic of Congo 10,000 
			 Ethiopia 26,400 
			 Liberia 2,500 
			 Malawi (1)— 
			 Mozambique 8,000 
			 Nigeria 7,571 
			 Sierra Leone 10,400 
			 Sudan (1)— 
			 Tanzania 6,000 
			 Uganda 600 
		
	
	
		
			 Zambia 3,000 
			 Zimbabwe 8,000 
			 Bangladesh 6,000 
			 Central Asia 500 
			 India (1)— 
			 Nepal 1,000 
			 Vietnam 1,600 
			 (1) Details will be made available in operational plans for these countries, which will be published on the DFID website in due course. Note: It is not possible to disaggregate these figures into water supply, sanitation and hygiene until programmes are designed in detail.

Developing Countries: Sanitation

Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid his Department has provided to developing countries for investment in (a) safe water and (b) sanitation and hygiene in each year since 1997.

Stephen O'Brien: Details of UK aid expenditure, including the proportion directed to safe water, sanitation and hygiene are published annually in ‘Statistics on International Development’ (SID), which is available in the Library of the House and on the DFID website at:
	http://www.dfid.gov.uk/About-DFID/Finance-and-performance/Aid-Statistics/Statistic-on-International-Development-2010/
	Specific information on this sector is only available from 2003-04. Prior to this, water, sanitation and hygiene statistics were incorporated within broader sectors such as social services, environment and health. Available water and sanitation figures are as follows (consolidated water and sanitation figures available only):
	
		
			 DFID bilateral spend on water and sanitation 
			  £ million 
			 2003-04 29.9 
			 2004-05 31.2 
			 2005-06 48.1 
			 2006-07 60.4 
			 2007-08 71.6 
			 2008-09 88.4 
			 2009-10 105.9

Indian Subcontinent: Sanitation

Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid his Department is providing to (a) India, (b) Pakistan, (c) Bangladesh and (d) Nepal for the purposes of investment in (i) safe waters and (ii) sanitation and hygiene in 2011-12.

Stephen O'Brien: Through our bilateral programmes, the Department for International Development (DFID) has allocated £23,000,000 to Bangladesh and £4,000,000 to Nepal for water and sanitation from 2011-12 to 2014-15. Among other gains, we estimate that an additional 110,000 people will benefit from safe latrines in Nepal by 2015 as a direct result of these UK funds. In Bangladesh, we estimate an additional 1.28 million people will benefit from increased access to safe drinking water; 613,000 will benefit from improved sanitation facilities and about 20 million will be reached through hygiene awareness.
	DFID's bilateral aid programme in Pakistan does not have a specific allocation for water and sanitation, as this area is already supported by other donors. However, water and sanitation has been one of the priority areas of humanitarian support following the 2010 floods.
	DFID is awaiting the International Development Select Committee's report on UK aid to India before finalising detailed sector activities in the country, including work on water and sanitation.

Overseas Aid

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what criteria his Department uses to determine what Government expenditure overseas is reckoned within the proportion of gross national income counted as official development assistance.

Alan Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) uses the internationally agreed standard definition of Official Development Assistance laid down by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

JUSTICE

Civil Proceedings

Robert Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of effects of proposed limits on success fees applied to personal injury claimants on the average amount of compensation paid to personal injury claimants;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the effects of proposed changes to the recoverability of success and other associated fees in civil litigation cases on lower socioeconomic groups;
	(3)  pursuant to the statement of 29 March 2011, Official Report, columns 173-4, on reforming civil justice, what assessment he has made of (a) savings and (b) costs to the public purse of his proposed reforms to civil litigation in each of the next five years;
	(4)  what assessment he has made of the potential effects of removing the recoverability of after-the-event insurance and success fees from a losing party in civil litigation on (a) the number of personal injury cases undertaken by lawyers per year and (b) the level of payments to personal injury claimants.

Jonathan Djanogly: ‘Reforming Civil Litigation Funding and Costs in England and Wales—Implementation of Lord Justice Jackson's Recommendations: The Government Response’ was published on 29 March 2011. An updated impact assessment was published alongside the response.

Civil Proceedings

David Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will make an assessment of the likely effect on insurance premiums of the proposals announced in the White Paper on reform of civil litigation funding and costs.

Jonathan Djanogly: On 29 March this year the Government announced that they would be implementing the changes set out in ‘Reforming Civil Litigation Funding and Costs in England and Wales - Implementation of Lord Justice Jackson's Recommendations: the Government Response’. An impact assessment was published alongside the Government response. The Association of British Insurers confirmed that “motorists can look forward to cheaper insurance in the future”.

Courts: Fees and Charges

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what facility HM Courts and Tribunals Service has for a litigant in person who qualifies for a court fee exemption to make an urgent application for a stay of proceedings in cases where a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions confirming the exemption is not immediately available.

Jonathan Djanogly: If a litigant needs to make an urgent application for a stay of proceedings and they do not have the required evidence to support an application for a fee remission they can give the court a written undertaking that they will provide the evidence to support an application for fee remission or pay the appropriate fee within five working days of the urgent application being made.
	If the litigant fails to comply with the undertaking it gives to the court the proceedings for which the undertaking was provided will be stopped, struck out or the order obtained revoked.
	The remission system and this provision is set out in full in the court leaflet “Court Fees—Do I have to pay them” available from all court offices and as a download from the Justice website.

Departmental Charitable Donations

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he is taking to encourage charitable giving by Ministers in his Department.

Kenneth Clarke: The Giving White Paper published on Monday 23 May 2011 outlines the Government's proposals to encourage charitable giving. As part of this, all Ministry of Justice Ministers have pledged to undertake a “One Day Challenge”—a voluntary commitment to give one day of their time over the course of a year to a charity or community group of their choice.

Departmental Manpower

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many independent (a) domestic violence adviser and (b) sexual violence adviser posts funded by his Department there have been in each year since their inception; and where each post has been located.

Jonathan Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice has contributed towards the funding of independent domestic violence adviser (IDVA) posts in services supporting victims through the specialist domestic violence courts (SDVCs) since 2007-08. Ministry of Justice funding is set out in table 1. Our commitment has been to provide a grant for a period of three years only, after which local areas are expected to continue to fund the service.
	From 2011-12 the Ministry of Justice will also fund 44 IDVA posts from the Victim and Witness General Fund, as set out in table 2.
	The Home Office has funded IDVAs for 2011-12 and a list of those who received funding can be found at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/violence-against-women-girls/idva/
	In addition to this, the Home Office has funded a number of independent sexual violence adviser (ISVA) posts since 2006-2007, as set out in table 3.
	
		
			 Table 1: Ministry of Justice IDVA funding 
			 Specialist domestic violence court area 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 
			 Bedford 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Bury St Edmunds 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Cambridge/Huntingdon non SDVC 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Essex SDVC 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Ipswich SDVC 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Lowestoft 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Luton 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Norwich SDVC 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Peterborough SDVC 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Hemel Hempstead (Herts) 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 St Albans 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 East Herts 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 NE Derbs and Dales 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Derby SDVC 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Leicester City 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Lincolnshire 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Loughborough SDVC (Loughboro-Leicester City) 1 2 2 1 0 0 
			 Mansfield 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Northants 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Nottingham 1 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Durham 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Gateshead 0 1 1 1 0 0 
			 Hartlepool 0 0 0 1 1 1 
			 Newcastle 0 0 2 1 1 0 
		
	
	
		
			 North Tyneside 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Stockton—non SDVC supporting at Teesside 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 South East Northumberland 0 0 0 1 1 1 
			 South Tyneside 0 0 0 1 1 1 
			 Sunderland 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Teesside SDVC (Cleveland) 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Blackburn with Darwen 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Blackpool and Fylde 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Fylde—non SDVC 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Bolton 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Burnley (Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale) 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Bury 0 0 0 1 1 1 
			 Rossendale (Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale) 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Carlisle 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Chester 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Crewe, Eastern Cheshire 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Fleetwood 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Halton 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Knowsley 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Lancaster 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Liverpool 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Manchester 1 1 2 0 0 0 
			 Oldham 0 0 0 1 1 1 
			 Ormskirk W Lancs 0 1 1 1 0 0 
			 Preston 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Rochdale 0 0 0 1 1 1 
			 Salford SDVC 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Sefton SDVC 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 South Cumbria (Barrow and Kendal) 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 South Ribble and Chorley 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 St Helens 0 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Stockport 0 0 0 1 1 1 
			 Tameside 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Trafford 0 0 0 1 1 1 
			 Warrington 2 2 2 0 0 0 
			 West Cumbria (Workington and Whitehaven) 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Wigan 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Wirral 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Berkshire: Reading, Newbury, Maidenhead 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Brighton and Hove 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Bucks (Wycombe and Beaconsfield) 0 0 0 1 1 1 
			 East Sussex: Hastings, Eastbourne, Lewes and Crowborough 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 High Wycombe, Maidenhead—non SDVC 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Isle of Wight—non SDVC 1 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Kent: Canterbury, Shepway, Ashford, Dover, Thanet non SDVC 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Kent: Maidstone (Dover, Chatham) 0 1 1 1 0 0 
			 Milton Keynes 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 NE Hants (Alton) 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 North Oxford (Banbury) 0 1 1 1 0 0 
			 NW Hants (Andover) 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Oxford City 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Portsmouth 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Southampton 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 West Sussex: Worthing, Crawley 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Barnstaple 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Bath South West Region 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Bristol 1 1 2 0 0 0 
			 Cheltenham SDVC 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 East and Mid-West Cornwall (Bodmin, Truro) 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 East Dorset (Bournemouth and Poole) 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Exeter 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 North Avon (Yate) 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 North Somerset 1 1 1 0 0 0 
		
	
	
		
			 Plymouth 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Salisbury 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Sedgemoor (Bridgewater) 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 South Somerset (Yeovil) 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Torbay non SDVC 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Torquay (Torbay) 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 West Dorset (Weymouth) 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Wiltshire: Chippenham 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Wiltshire: Swindon 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Birmingham SDVC 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Cannock and Stafford 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Coventry 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Dudley 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Herefordshire 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 North Staffs (Newcastle and Moorlands with Stoke on Trent areas) 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Sandwell 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Shrewsbury, North Shropshire, Oswestry 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Solihull 0 1 1 1 0 0 
			 South East Staffs (Burton) 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Tamworth 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Telford 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Walsall 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Warks: Nuneaton and Bedworth, Rugby, Stratford 0 1 1 1 0 0 
			 Wolverhampton 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Worcs SDVC (Bromsgrove and Redditch, Worcs, S Worcs and Kidderminster) 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Barnsley 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Bradford 1 1 2 0 0 0 
			 Calderdale 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Doncaster 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 East Riding 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Hull 1 1 0 0  0 
			 Kirklees 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Leeds 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Rotherham 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Scarborough and Ryedale 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Scunthorpe, Grimsby (and Cleethorpes) non SDVC 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Sheffield 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Wakefield 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 York and Selby 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Camden and Islington non SDVC 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Hackney non SDVC 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Lewisham non SDVC 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Waltham Forest non SDVC 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Barking and Dagenham non-SDVC 1 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Romford non SDVC 0 0 1 0 0 0 
			 Willesden non SDVC 0 0 1 0 0 0 
			 Barnet/Hendon 1 0 0 1 1 0 
			 Brent 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Croydon 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Ealing 0 0 0 1 1 1 
			 Greenwich—non SDVC 1 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Haringey (Tottenham) 0 1 1 1 0 0 
			 Harrow—non SDVC 1 0 1 1 0 0 
			 Havering—non SDVC 0 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Hillingdon 1 0 1 1 0 0 
			 Hounslow 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Islington non SDVC 1 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Merton—non SDVC 0 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Stratford (Newham) 0 0 1 1 1 0 
			 Sutton—non SDVC 0 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Thames (Tower Hamlets/Hackney) 0 1 1 1 0 0 
		
	
	
		
			 West London 2 2 0 0 0 0 
			 Westminster—non SDVC 0 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Barry, Vale of Glamorgan 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Bridgend 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Caerphilly 2 2 2 0 0 0 
			 Cardiff 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Gwent (Monm'thshire CPS and Cwmbran 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Gwent (Newport CSP) 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Gwent (Torfaen CSP) 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Llandudno/Prestatyn (Conwy/Denbighshire) non SDVC 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Llanelli 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Merthyr Tydfil 1 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Mold, Flinthsire 0 1 1 1 0 0 
			 Neath Port Talbot 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Pembrokeshire-Haverfordwest 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Rhondda Cynon Taff 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Swansea 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Wrexham 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Total 124 131 102 42 30 10 
		
	
	
		
			 Table 2: Victim and Witness General Fund 2011-12 to 2013-14 
			 Area Number of court based IDVA 
			 Northumbria 1 
			 London 3 
			 Nottinghamshire 1 
			 Cleveland 1 
			 Nottinghamshire 2 
			 Sussex 1 
			 Bradford 3 
			 North Wales 1 
			 Surrey/Sussex 1 
			 Hampshire 1 
			 West Midlands 2 
			 Kent 1 
			 Metropolitan police 1 
			 Devon and Cornwall 3 
			 Derbyshire 1 
			 Hampshire 1 
			 Staffordshire 1 
			 London 1 
			 Norfolk 1 
			 Sussex 1 
			 Dorset, Avon and Somerset 2 
			 West Midlands 1 
			 Avon and Somerset 1 
			 Gloucestershire 1 
			 South Wales 1 
			 Kent 1 
			 North Wales 1 
			 London 1 
			 Nottinghamshire 1 
			 Staffordshire 1 
			 Devon and Cornwall 1 
			 South Wales Police (Central covering Vale and Bridgend) 1 
			 Suffolk 3 
			 Total 44 
		
	
	
		
			 Table 3: Home Office ISVA funding 
			  2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 to 2014-15 
			 North West 6 6 8 7 4 12 
			 North East 2 2 2 3 3 6 
			 East of England 1 1 1 2 2 9 
			 West Midlands 6 6 7 7 10 12 
			 South East 1 1 2 2 5 9 
			 East Midlands 2 2 2 4 3 8 
			 South West 2 2 3 4 5 7 
			 London 6 6 5 6 6 8 
			 Yorkshire and Humber 5 5 4 6 6 8 
			 Wales 3 3 3 2 0 8 
			 Total 34 34 37 43 44 87

Land Registry

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when he expects to conclude his assessment of the findings of the Land Registry Feasibility Study; and what plans he has to discuss the findings of the study with representatives of the trade unions recognised by the Land Registry before any announcement of the findings to the House.

Jonathan Djanogly: Given the important role that the Land Registry plays in maintaining the public's confidence in the property marked it is right and proper that we give thorough and careful consideration to the findings of the feasibility study before making any decisions or announcements about its future direction. As part of those deliberations, we need to understand better the potential impact of the Cabinet Office's proposal to develop a PDC on the options being considered under the feasibility study.
	If the preferred option is for a materially different ownership structure for the Land Registry, then a full public consultation will be conducted
	The Minister of State, my noble Friend Lord McNally, has agreed to meet with staff representatives of the Land Registry once consideration of the feasibility study has concluded, and before any public announcement has been made. A date has not been set for those meetings or for any announcement about the future of the Land Registry.

Magistrates Courts

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average cost to the public purse is of preparing a (a) full pre-sentence report and (b) fast delivery report in magistrates courts, including time spent by probation staff in court whilst the report is being delivered and considered.

Crispin Blunt: Full information about these costs is not yet available. The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) is currently developing systems to report expenditure on a service by service basis. This information will be made published in the autumn through the Government's Transparency Agenda.
	The available information, which has been placed in the Libraries of the House, estimates the average cost of preparing a “full pre-sentence report”, known as a Standard Delivery Report, to be £277. The estimated average cost preparing a Fast Delivery Report is £46. These estimates do not cover the time spent by probation staff in court while the report is being delivered and considered in court. Information on the cost of time spent by probation staff in court will be captured in the service specification for Court Work other than Assessment and Reports, to be published by December 2011. The estimates provided cover only direct running costs and do not include indirect costs.

Magistrates Courts

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what consideration his Department has given to the deployment of judicial resources across magistrates courts in England and Wales following the outcome of the research it commissioned on variations in the approaches of magistrates and district judges in dealing with criminal cases.

Kenneth Clarke: The Ministry of Justice has commissioned Ipsos MORI to conduct research into the strengths and skills of the judiciary. This is due to be published later this year. The findings will help strengthen the evidence base to inform decisions around how best magistrates and district judges are deployed across magistrates courts in England and Wales.

Parenting Orders

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many parenting orders have been issued to (a) men and (b) women in each year since their inception.

Crispin Blunt: Parenting orders were piloted between 30 September 1998 and 31 March 2000 and commenced in England and Wales in June 2000.
	8,649 parenting orders attached to a child's criminal conviction were awarded between 1999 and 2009. Of these, 5,431 were awarded to men and 3,182 to women. There are no records of parenting orders being issued in 1998. The full breakdown by year is provided in table 1. Parenting orders attached to an ASBO have also been awarded since 2004 (table 2) however these data are not available broken down by gender.
	The Department for Education has collected data from local authorities in England on parenting orders since September 2004. The number of parenting orders granted following successful truancy prosecutions between September 2004 and August 2010 is 2,829. One parenting order was granted in cases of exclusion or serious misbehaviour at school during this same period. We believe that usage of those orders is low as parenting orders for behaviour are a last resort measure, intended only for those few cases where parents are unwilling to engage with voluntary measures. The Department does not collect parenting orders data on a gender basis.
	
		
			 Number of people issued with a parenting order following a criminal conviction, by sex, England 
			 Number 
			 Sex 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008  (1) 2009 
			 Males 10 266 418 490 375 474 522 628 712 816 720 
			 Females 9 101 222 301 296 277 337 388 432 440 379 
			 Persons(2) 19 367 640 791 671 751 859 1,016 1,146 1,270 1,119 
			 (1) Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008.  (2) The gender of a defendant proceeded against may not have been reported. These data have been included in the persons Therefore, males and females age group totals and sub-totals may not agree with the totals given under persons.  Notes: 1.  The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they have were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe.  2. Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.  3. Parenting orders, made available under the Crime and Disorder act 1998, were implemented nationally in 2000.  Source:  Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. 
		
	
	
		
			 Parenting orders  (1)   made as a result of an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO) being issued to a juvenile (aged 10 to 17) on application, at all magistrates and county courts in England and Wales, as reported to the Ministry of Justice  (2)  , from 1 June 2000 to 31 December 2009, England and Wales 
			 Number 
			 Period Parenting orders ASBOs issued to persons aged 10 to 17 
			 June to December 2000 — 62 
			 2001 — 193 
			 2002 — 250 
			 2003 — 393 
			 2004 9 599 
			 2005 15 638 
			 2006 18 423 
			 2007 25 453 
			 200S 10 339 
			 2009 18 272 
			 Total 95 3,622 
			 (1) While parenting orders (POs), made available under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, were implemented nationally from 1 June 2000 the Anti-social Behaviour Act (November 2003) extended requirements that a court making an ASBO against a person under the age of 16 should issue a PO against the parents of that child if it is satisfied that the PO would be desirable in the interests of preventing repetition of the behaviour which led to the ASBO (if not satisfied it should be stated in open court as to why not).  (2) Prior to the creation of the Ministry of Justice on 9 May 2007, numbers of ASBOs issued were reported to Home Office by the Court Service.  Notes:  1. Available data for the period 1 April 1999 to 31 May 2000 are only for the total number (104) of ASBOs issued.  2. Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts. As a consequence care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.  Source:  Justice Statistics Analytical Services within the Ministry of Justice.

Prisons

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many hours on average each day offenders were held in their cell in each establishment in each year since 2007 for which figures are available.

Crispin Blunt: As a measure of safety and decency in prisons, the National Offender Management Service collects data on the average hours per weekday that prisoners are unlocked. By subtracting the average hours unlocked from the 24 hours in a day it is possible to estimate hours spent locked in cell. It should be noted that the latter will include hours when prisoners are asleep.
	Figures for time unlocked and time locked in cell are set out in the table for each prison establishment in England and Wales for the financial years 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10.
	The figures used in the answer have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large-scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.
	
		
			  Average time unlocked: hours per prisoner per day Estimated average time locked in cell: hours per prisoner per day 
			 Prison 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 
			 Acklington 10.6 7.9 8.3 13.4 16.1 15.7 
			 Albany 9.9 10.1 9.2 14.1 13.9 14.8 
			 Altcourse 13.1 12.9 12.1 10.9 11.1 11.9 
			 Ashfield 10.1 9.6 10.1 13.9 14.4 13.9 
			 Ashwell 15.5 15.1 10.0 8.5 8.9 14.0 
			 Askham Grange 16.0 16.0 16.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 
		
	
	
		
			 Aylesbury 8.2 7.0 7.2 15.8 17.0 16.8 
			 Bedford 8.6 8.7 9.3 15.4 15.3 14.7 
			 Belmarsh 8.4 7.7 7.8 15.6 16.3 16.2 
			 Birmingham 9.3 6.7 6.8 14.7 17.3 17.2 
			 Blakenhurst 9.8 — — 14.2 — — 
			 Blantyre House 18.0 18.0 18.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 
			 Blundeston 10.1 10.5 11.7 13.9 13.5 12.3 
			 Brinsford 8.6 8.5 8.5 15.4 15.5 15.5 
			 Bristol 8.4 8.0 8.9 15.6 16.0 15.1 
			 Brixton 7.1 6.7 6.3 16.9 17.3 17.7 
			 Brockhill 10.5 — — 13.5 — — 
			 Bronzefield 11.5 10.5 9.6 12.5 13.5 14.4 
			 Buckley Hall 12.8 9.1 8.5 11.2 14.9 15.5 
			 Bullingdon 7.9 8.4 8.2 16.1 15.6 15.8 
			 Bullwood Hall 13.1 13.4 13.8 10.9 10.6 10.2 
			 Camp Hill 9.6 9.3 9.3 14.4 14.7 14.7 
			 Canterbury 9.2 11.2 10.2 14.8 12.8 13.8 
			 Cardiff 8.1 8.1 8.1 15.9 15.9 15.9 
			 Castington 8.6 8.6 8.0 15.4 15.4 16.0 
			 Channings Wood 9.2 9.4 8.9 14.8 14.6 15.1 
			 Chelmsford 8.1 7.6 8.2 15.9 16.4 15.8 
			 Coldingley 10.5 9.7 9.1 13.5 14.3 14.9 
			 Cookham Wood 8.2 14.8 10.8 15.8 9.2 13.2 
			 Dartmoor 10.1 13.3 11.1 13.9 10.7 12.9 
			 Deerbolt 6.9 7.0 6.5 17.1 17.0 17.5 
			 Doncaster 11.1 10.3 9.5 12.9 13.7 14.5 
			 Dorchester 7.0 7.6 5.6 17.0 16.4 18.4 
			 Dovegate 10.9 10.0 9.5 13.1 14.0 14.5 
			 Dover 12.3 12.1 12.5 11.7 11.9 11.5 
			 Downview 11.1 8.6 9.3 12.9 15.4 14.7 
			 Drake Hall 16.4 17.7 18.6 7.6 6.3 5.4 
			 Durham 8.5 7.6 7.2 15.5 16.4 16.8 
			 East Sutton Park 17.0 17.0 17.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 
			 Eastwood Park 11.6 12.6 12.4 12.4 11.4 11.6 
			 Edmunds Hill 13.4 13.6 13.2 10.6 10.4 10.8 
			 Elmley 7.4 8.6 7.9 16.6 15.4 16.1 
			 Erlestoke 11.1 9.4 9.4 12.9 14.6 14.6 
			 Everthorpe 8.9 8.0 7.9 15.1 16.0 16.1 
			 Exeter 8.0 9.2 9.3 16.0 14.8 14.7 
			 Featherstone 10.3 10.7 10.9 13.7 13.3 13.1 
			 Feltham 10.0 9.3 8.7 14.0 14.7 15.3 
			 Ford 12.6 12.3 12.3 11.4 11.8 11.7 
			 Forest Bank 10.5 10.5 10.5 13.5 13.5 13.5 
			 Foston Hall 10.3 11.4 10.8 13.7 12.6 13.2 
			 Frankland 9.3 8.1 8.9 14.8 15.9 15.1 
			 Full Sutton 9.5 8.9 8.8 14.5 15.1 15.2 
			 Garth 10.0 9.1 8.7 14.0 14.9 15.3 
			 Gartree 10.0 8.4 8.6 14.0 15.6 15.4 
			 Glen Parva 10.3 8.3 7.4 13.7 15.7 16.6 
			 Gloucester 8.6 8.4 8.5 15.4 15.6 15.5 
			 Grendon 13.5 14.1 13.8 10.5 9.9 10.2 
			 Guys Marsh 10.2 10.9 10.4 13.8 13.1 13.6 
			 Haslar 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 
			 Haverigg 11.2 10.6 14.4 12.8 13.4 9.6 
			 Hewell — 11.3 10.8 — 12.7 13.2 
		
	
	
		
			 Hewell Grange 24.0 — — 0.0 — — 
			 High Down 6.4 7.7 7.5 17.6 16.3 16.5 
			 Highpoint 10.5 10.5 10.0 13.5 13.5 14.0 
			 Hindley 9.5 9.2 9.2 14.5 14.8 14.8 
			 Hollesley Bay 16.0 16.0 16.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 
			 Holloway 9.5 10.2 9.4 14.5 13.8 14.6 
			 Holme House 7.4 7.2 7.2 16.6 16.8 16.8 
			 Hull 9.3 9.0 8.6 14.7 15.0 15.4 
			 Huntercombe 8.6 8.4 9.9 15.4 15.6 14.1 
			 Kennet 9.8 8.6 9.9 14.2 15.4 14.1 
			 Kingston 10.8 10.0 9.7 13.3 14.0 14.3 
			 Kirkham 13.8 14.2 14.7 10.2 9.8 9.3 
			 Kirklevington 19.0 19.0 19.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 
			 Lancaster 10.1 8.4 9.0 13.9 15.6 15.0 
			 Lancaster Farms 10.2 7.4 7.4 13.8 16.6 16.6 
			 Latchmere House 19.5 19.2 19.0 4.5 4.8 5.0 
			 Leeds 9.1 7.4 7.1 14.9 16.6 16.9 
			 Leicester 10.0 6.5 6.6 14.0 17.5 17.4 
			 Lewes 7.0 6.8 7.7 17.0 17.2 16.3 
			 Leyhill 16.0 16.0 16.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 
			 Lincoln 9.7 7.0 7.3 14.3 17.0 16.7 
			 Lindholme 10.5 9.0 8.8 13.5 15.0 15.2 
			 Littlehey 10.2 8.5 8.7 13.8 15.5 15.3 
			 Liverpool 7.6 7.6 7.7 16.4 16.4 16.3 
			 Long Lartin 9.2 8.2 10.1 14.8 15.8 13.9 
			 Low Newton 10.6 9.3 10.1 13.4 14.7 13.9 
			 Lowdham Grange 12.6 12.0 11.4 11.4 12.0 12.6 
			 Maidstone 9.3 9.5 9.1 14.7 14.5 14.9 
			 Manchester 10.0 10.3 10.0 14.0 13.7 14.0 
			 Moorland 12.8 11.2 10.6 11.2 12.8 13.4 
			 Morton Hall 15.0 13.8 13.5 9.0 10.2 10.5 
			 Mount 10.8 10.8 10.8 13.2 13.2 13.2 
			 New Hall 10.2 9.9 9.5 13.8 14.1 14.5 
			 North Sea Camp 15.5 15.5 16.8 8.5 8.5 7.3 
			 Northallerton 9.0 7.8 7.5 15.0 16.2 16.5 
			 Norwich 10.1 8.2 7.6 13.9 15.8 16.4 
			 Nottingham 8.1 7.0 7.1 15.9 17.0 16.9 
			 Onley 8.6 8.7 8.5 15.4 15.3 15.5 
			 Parc 9.9 9.3 9.2 14.1 14.7 14.8 
			 Parkhurst 8.0 8.2 7.6 16.0 15.8 16.4 
			 Pentonville 6.3 6.8 7.3 17.7 17.2 16.7 
			 Peterborough — — 10.0 — — 14.0 
			 Portland 8.6 8.0 8.6 15.4 16.0 15.4 
			 Preston 9.8 6.6 7.9 14.2 17.4 16.1 
			 Ranby 10.9 8.9 9.6 13.1 15.1 14.4 
			 Reading 8.2 8.6 7.5 15.8 15.4 16.5 
			 Risley 10.5 9.1 8.5 13.5 14.9 15.5 
			 Rochester 9.0 8.6 8.9 15.0 15.4 15.1 
			 Rye Hill 11.4 11.1 10.6 12.6 12.9 13.4 
			 Send 12.7 11.3 11.2 11.3 12.7 12.8 
			 Shepton Mallet 10.2 9.4 9.4 13.8 14.6 14.6 
			 Shrewsbury 9.6 7.2 8.3 14.4 16.8 15.7 
			 Stafford 10.6 7.7 7.4 13.4 16.3 16.6 
		
	
	
		
			 Standford Hill 16.5 13.5 13.5 7.5 10.5 10.5 
			 Stocken 10.8 7.7 7.7 13.2 16.3 16.3 
			 Stoke Heath 8.4 8.6 8.2 15.6 15.4 15.8 
			 Styal 15.8 12.3 11.6 8.2 11.7 12.4 
			 Sudbury 19.0 19.0 19.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 
			 Swaleside 7.8 8.1 8.3 16.2 15.9 15.7 
			 Swansea 9.0 9.5 8.3 15.0 14.5 15.7 
			 Swinfen Hall 10.4 7.8 7.9 13.6 16.2 16.1 
			 Thorn Cross 12.5 12.5 14.1 11.5 11.5 9.9 
			 Usk/Prescoed 13.9 11.7 11.9 10.1 12.3 12.1 
			 Verne 16.0 15.0 15.0 8.0 9.0 9.0 
			 Wakefield 9.1 8.9 9.0 14.9 15.1 15.0 
			 Wandsworth 7.5 8.1 7.3 16.5 15.9 16.7 
			 Warren Hill 10.6 10.0 10.3 13.4 14.0 13.7 
			 Wayland 11.3 11.0 11.5 12.7 13.0 12.5 
			 Wealstun 11.5 8.2 8.3 12.5 15.8 15.7 
			 Wellingborough 10.0 8.9 8.6 14.0 15.1 15.4 
			 Werrington 10.3 10.3 10.5 13.7 13.7 13.5 
			 Wetherby 10.4 10.8 10.4 13.6 13.2 13.6 
			 Whatton 10.4 10.0 9.9 13.6 14.0 14.1 
			 Whitemoor 8.3 7.8 7.9 15.7 16.2 16.1 
			 Winchester 9.1 8.7 9.4 14.9 15.3 14.6 
			 Wolds 12.3 11.5 9.4 11.7 12.5 14.6 
			 Woodhill 9.0 10.6 9.3 15.0 13.4 14.7 
			 Wormwood Scrubs 8.9 8.2 7.9 15.1 15.8 16.1 
			 Wymott 10.6 8.8 8.6 13.4 15.2 15.4 
			 Notes: 1. Blakenhurst, Brockhill and Hewell Grange merged in 2008-09 becoming Hewell. 2. Data for Peterborough for 2007-08 and 2008-09 are unavailable. 3. Hours locked in cell have been estimated from the recorded figure of average daily hours unlocked from cell. Data Sources and Quality: These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems. Care is taken when processing and analysing returns but the detail is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. Although shown to one decimal place they may not be accurate to that level.

Wills: Regulation

David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  what recent discussions he has had with the Law Society on changes to the system of regulation of the production of wills;
	(2)  whether he has any plans to change the regulation of the production of wills.

Jonathan Djanogly: I am aware that the Law Society supports making will writing a reserved legal activity and note with interest the research it has conducted. I hope and expect the Law Society will work closely with the Legal Services Board throughout the investigations into potential regulation of this activity that the oversight regulator is currently undertaking.
	I have no plans to regulate will writers at present. However, The Legal Services Act 2007 (LSA) contains provisions which allow the Legal Services Board to recommend to me that a legal service such as will writing becomes a reserved legal activity, which would then be regulated.
	Since the Legal Services Board is currently investigating whether or not it would be in the interests of the legal consumer to regulate will writing, it is more appropriate for me to await the outcome of that investigation before making an assessment of next steps.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

Internet

David Amess: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the House of Commons Commission will make available on the parliamentary (a) intranet and (b) website copies of the House of Commons Sessional Returns for sessions 1964-65 to 1996-97; and if he will make a statement.

John Thurso: There are no current plans to publish House of Commons Sessional Returns for Sessions 1964-65 to 1996-97 on either the parliamentary website or the intranet.

TRANSPORT

Biofuels

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will assess the merits of undertaking a cross-Government review of policy on the sustainable biodiesel industry; and if he will make a statement.

Norman Baker: I have initiated a cross-departmental process to examine biofuel policy. In addition, work is under way across Whitehall to develop a UK Government strategy for sustainable bio-energy to meet GHG emissions targets, renewable energy and energy security goals cost-effectively. This work includes assessing feedstock supply for the biodiesel industry and other sectors.

Biofuels: Aviation

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on measures to incentivise the uptake of sustainable biofuels in aviation.

Norman Baker: The Government believe that sustainable biofuels have a role to play in reducing CO2 emissions from transport, particularly in sectors such as aviation where there are for the foreseeable future limited alternatives to fossil fuel. The Government are working with our European partners, the wider international community and industry to explore how to bring about a significant increase in the use of sustainable biofuels in aviation.

Crossrail: Rolling Stock

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  how many Crossrail carriages will be delivered in each year between 2010-11 and 2014-15; and how many full train length equivalent diagrams will be completed in each of those years;
	(2)  how many carriages are planned to be built for Crossrail in each year between 2010-11 and 2014-15; and what the projected costs are of such construction in each of those years;
	(3)  how many Intercity Express programme carriages will be delivered in each year between 2010-11 and 2014-15; and how many full train length equivalent diagrams will be completed in each year;
	(4)  how many Intercity Express programme carriages will be built in each year between 2010-11 and 2014-15; and what the cost of such construction will be in each such year;
	(5)  how many rail carriages will be built during the comprehensive spending review period for (a) Crossrail, (b) Thameslink, (c) the Intercity Express programme and (d) other services; and which train operating companies will receive those carriages provided for other services;
	(6)  how many carriages will be built for the Thameslink project in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12, (c) 2012-13, (d) 2013-14 and (e) 2014-15; and what the cost to his Department of such construction will be in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12, (iii) 2012-13, (iv) 2013-14 and (v) 2014-15;
	(7)  how many Thameslink carriages will be delivered in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12, (c) 2012-13, (d) 2013-14 and (e) 2014-15; and how many full train length equivalent diagrams will be completed in each such year.

Theresa Villiers: The information is as follows:
	Crossrail
	In total around 600 new carriages will be provided for the Crossrail project with a requirement for approximately 57 diagrams, subject to finalisation of operational requirements. Notice of this procurement was published by Crossrail Ltd in the Official Journal of the European Union on 1 December 2010, and the invitation to tender for Crossrail rolling stock is planned to be published later in 2011. The delivery profile and costs of the rolling stock is commercially confidential and subject to negotiation with bidders and so it is not possible to give annual numbers (if any) of built and delivered units and their associated costs within the spending review period.
	Thameslink
	No trains will be built during the years 2010-11 to 2013-14. It is expected that 112 vehicles will be built during 2014-15 which will make 10 full train length equivalent diagrams. The Department for Transport is currently evaluating responses from two bidders to supply the rolling stock. The content of these bids is commercially confidential.
	Intercity Express programme
	If the bid goes ahead as currently planned, the Department for Transport proposes to specify the number of trains that operators will require in daily service from 2016. These would be paid for by train operators on a daily basis. I would expect trains to be ready for use prior to the date they are required for passenger service, in order to provide time for appropriate testing and acceptance on to the network.
	Other Services
	West Coast—106 vehicles will be built before the end of the spending review.
	NXEA—120 vehicles will have been built by the end of the spending review.
	London Midland—69 vehicles will be built before the end of the spending review.
	Chiltern—eight vehicles will be built before the end of the spending review.
	TPE—It is expected 36 vehicles will be built, subject to agreement on the value for money.

Departmental Data Protection

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many contracts his Department holds which allow contractors to store personal data of UK citizens overseas; to which contracts this applies; in which countries the data for each such contract is held; and how many people have their data stored overseas under each such contract.

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has one contract which allows a contractor to store personal data of UK citizens overseas. That contract is between the Driving Standards Agency and Pearson Driving Assessments Ltd. More than one million records of candidates for the theory test are held in the United States.

Departmental Vacancies

Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the staff vacancy rate in his Department was in 2010-11; and what vacancy rate has been assumed in his Department's budget for 2011-12.

Norman Baker: Vacancy rates are a factor of the turnover of staff, changing business needs and the time taken to fill vacancies. Given the limited usefulness of vacancy rates, relative to budgetary disciplines on programme and administrative spend, no rate has been assumed for Business Planning purposes for 2012 nor is it tracked by the Department.
	The Department has had a recruitment freeze since May 2010 and has imposed strict controls to the process of filling vacancies externally. These are only considered for approval if they are deemed to be front line, safety or business critical, in line with Cabinet Office guidance.
	Since May 2010 the number of full time equivalents in the Department has reduced by 7%.

Departmental Work Experience

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice his Department provides to those wishing to (a) work as an intern, (b) undertake a work experience placement and (c) work as a volunteer in his Department.

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport participated in the Cabinet Office Fast Stream Summer Diversity Internship programme offering six to nine week internships opportunities to graduates. We will be offering a minimum of three Summer Diversity Internships for undergraduates this summer.
	These applicants are advised that they will have an opportunity to work at the heart of current affairs and key Government agendas, engage directly with the public, and help to provide high-quality services for people from diverse communities and backgrounds. They will also be leading, building relationships, innovating and making key decisions that will stretch them intellectually throughout the programme.
	Individuals looking to undertake a work experience placement are invited to complete a pro forma to identify why they are interested in a placement at the Department for Transport and what skills they are looking to gain through the placement. Work experience placements are generally short-term placements, most commonly for half-term and other holidays for:
	Year 10 students (15 to 16 years)
	College students (17 to 19 years) and
	Undergraduates
	In addition to encouraging short-term placements, the Department has in the past taken a number of steps to develop and encourage youth employment using the Local Employment Partnership initiative from the previous administration. Individuals are invited to attend an induction event to gain an understanding of the work of the Department, and are also given a job description outlining their role and responsibilities and documentation setting out their terms and conditions.
	The Department for Transport does not offer opportunities for people to work as volunteers in the Department.

Driving: Alcohol

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what evidence he (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated prior to his decision not to lower the level of alcohol in the blood at which driving impairment becomes an offence; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Penning: The Government's published response to the independent North review about drink and drug driving, particularly chapter two, outlines the considerations related to the decision not to change the prescribed alcohol limit for driving.
	The response has been published on the Department for Transport website at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drivinglaws/govtresponse/

High Speed Two Railway Line

Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons Rail Package 2 was not considered as the comparator to High Speed Two for the London to West Midlands phase.

Philip Hammond: holding answer 13 May 2011
	The Government's current consultation on high speed rail discusses strategic options for a national high speed rail network. To support the consultation, Atkins was commissioned to develop and review strategic alternatives to a national high speed rail network, which were published in its report of February 2011 entitled 'High Speed Rail Strategic Alternatives Study: Strategic Alternatives to the Proposed Y Network'.
	In contrast, Atkins' Rail Package 2, which focused only on enhancements to the West Coast Main Line, was developed as a potential alternative to a London to West Midlands high speed rail line alone.
	To satisfy the scope of the Government's current consultation, it is clearly necessary to compare strategic options for an entire network rather than its component parts. Rail Package 2 does not, on its own, comprise an alternative to an entire network. However, it has been included as a component within the broader scenarios set out in the more recent strategic alternatives study.
	The following are document links, for reference:
	Info on Rail Package 2
	High Speed Two Strategic Alternatives Study: Strategic Outline Case, March 2010:
	http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110131042819/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/alternativestudy/pdf/strategicoutline.pdf
	London to West Midlands Rail Alternatives—Update of Economic Appraisal, March 2011:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/proposedroute/apprupdate/
	Network Strategic Alternatives Scenarios
	High Speed Rail Strategic Alternatives Study: Strategic Alternatives to the Proposed Y Network, February 2011:
	http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/sites/highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/files/hsr-strategic-alternative.pdf

High Speed Two Railway Line

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have had with Hillingdon Outdoor Sailing Base on proposals to construct part of the High Speed Two network through their facility; and if he will make a statement.

Philip Hammond: holding answer 13 May 2011
	My officials have corresponded with the Principal of Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre, who wrote to me in January. I understand that HS2 Ltd have also had discussions and correspondence with representatives of the Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre.
	I understand the concerns people have about the impact of the proposed route of any new high speed line on the Colne Valley area where the Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre is located. If a decision is taken to go ahead with a new high speed line, HS2 Ltd would carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment before any work began, and would consider mitigation where practical to minimise effects upon the ecology and water habitat and to maintain recreational amenity.

High Speed Two Railway Line

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many representations he has received on proposals to build part of the High Speed Two network through Hillingdon Outdoor Sailing Base; and if he will make a statement.

Philip Hammond: holding answer 13 May 2011
	I have received two letters regarding the high speed rail proposals and the Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre.

Motor Vehicles: Insurance

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 11 May 2011, Official Report, column 1211W, on roads: accidents, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of uninsured drivers.

Michael Penning: The Government have introduced the continuous insurance enforcement scheme which will come into force in late June, which means that all vehicles must be covered by insurance unless they are declared off the road by a valid statutory off-road notification (SORN).

Motor Vehicles: Insurance

Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received on the effect on car insurance premiums of use of a vehicle to undertake voluntary work.

Michael Penning: I have not received any recent representations. The cost of insurance for those who undertake voluntary work is occasionally raised with the Department.

Motorways: Repairs and Maintenance

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much his Department has spent on resurfacing motorways in the last five years.

Michael Penning: The Highways Agency does not separately record or report the cost of resurfacing motorways. However, the annual accounts for the HA over the past five years has reported the following in terms of expenditure on maintenance:
	
		
			  £ million 
			 2009-10 1,307 
			 2008-09 914 
			 2007-08 878 
			 2006-07 850 
			 2005-06 852 
		
	
	Expenditure figures have been adjusted to account for spend relating to roads trunked or detrunked in the financial year.
	The expenditure figures provided are for maintenance on the strategic road network managed and maintained by the Highways Agency. This includes renewal of the road surface and repairs to structures, as well as routine maintenance such as gully clearing, white lining, cleaning and winter maintenance, but not those associated with our private finance initiative contracts.
	To disaggregate the cost of resurfacing motorways only would be a very lengthy exercise, and as such could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Railways

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans his Department has for new non-high speed train lines in England.

Theresa Villiers: The existing rail network already links most sizeable areas of population and our plans focus on providing additional capacity to meeting rising demand. In some cases this involves adding new rolling stock and in others building additional lines may be appropriate.
	The new Ordsall curve is planned to open in central Manchester in 2016 and the new Crossrail line running under central London is planned to open from 2018.

Railways: Snow and Ice

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will establish a system of accountability for the Department for Transport and the Office of Rail Regulation to hold (a) Network Rail and (b) train operating companies to account on the implementation of contingency timetables during severe weather conditions.

Theresa Villiers: holding answer 17 May 2011
	Provisions contained in franchise agreements enable appropriate remedial action as required by the Department, in the event that the operator fails to fulfil its contractual requirements with regard to the operation of temporary or contingency timetables.
	The Office of Rail Regulation monitors Network Rail's operational activities. If it considers that Network Rail is falling short of its Network Licence obligations, it may take appropriate enforcement action.

Road Traffic

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department plans to commence its development of measures to reduce road congestion caused by incidents.

Michael Penning: I refer the hon. Member to my written ministerial statement of 19 May 2011, Official Report, columns 39-40WS.

Roads: Finance

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the delivery of his Department's investment programme for the strategic road network to (a) begin and (b) be completed.

Michael Penning: The Department for Transport set out its plans for investment in the strategic road network for this spending review period in October 2010, in “Investment in Highways Transport Schemes”:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/network/strategic/highwaystransportschemes/
	Eight major schemes are currently under construction and a timetable for construction for a further 14 schemes was announced in April 2011:
	http://www.highways.gov.uk/news/pressrelease.aspx7pressreleaseid=419138
	All the schemes prioritised for investment within this spending review are scheduled for completion by 2016-17, subject to successful completion of the necessary statutory processes, continuing value for money and affordability.

Roads: Safety

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to paragraph 5.9 of the Strategic Framework for Road Safety, 11 May 2011, what his target date is for finalising the additional requirements for type approving drugs-testing devices for use at the roadside.

Michael Penning: The responsibility for the type approval of drug screening devices rests with the Home Office and not the Department for Transport. We expect the Home Office to have a final specification for a roadside drug testing device available shortly.

Speed Limits

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the potential effects of the new police framework for speeding on the level of (a) fatal, (b) serious injury and (c) minor injury accidents; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Penning: I have not specifically assessed the effects on accidents of the Association of Chief Police Officers' (ACPO) advice to police forces about the circumstances when education should be used as an alternative to prosecution for speeding.
	However I endorse the use of education as an alternative to prosecution in a wider set of circumstances, on the basis of previous assessments of its effectiveness. This includes the findings of roads research report number 66 ‘Effective Interventions for Speeding Motorists’ (March 2006), which considered the methods of re-educating speeding motorists and was published on the Department for Transport website, at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/research/rsrr/theme2/

Speed Limits: Cameras

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department expects to publish the speed camera data it has collected from local authorities.

Michael Penning: The Department for Transport is not collecting speed camera data from local authorities to publish the data itself.
	I have previously announced that local authorities and the police will have to publish full information about speed cameras.
	Officials have been working with local authority officials and the police, in order to advise me about the appropriate requirements for publication of this information. As set out in the DfT Business Plan, an updated version of which was published on 13 May, we expect to issue guidance to local authorities by the end of June.

Speed Limits: Cameras

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 22 November 2010, Official Report, column 30W, on speed limits: cameras, whether the fixed gantry cameras are (a) switched off and (b) used for any enforcement purposes when no temporary speed limits are in force on the M1.

Michael Penning: The fixed gantry spot speed enforcement cameras for the M1 motorway between junctions 25 and 28 are still undergoing testing and commissioning and are not as yet operational. These cameras which enforce the variable mandatory speed limits displayed on gantries and will be fully operational this summer.
	The Highways Agency has introduced safety cameras on the M1 between junctions 25 and 28 as part of the Controlled Motorway scheme to increase compliance when speed limits are varied from the national speed limit.
	When no restrictions are in place normal motorway regulations and enforcement regimes will apply. The enforcement of speed limits, whether using the safety cameras provided as part of this controlled motorway scheme or traditional methods, is undertaken by the police, in this case Nottinghamshire police.

Thameslink Railway Line

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the answer to the then hon. Member for Bedford of 7 April 2010, Official Report, column 1364W, on the Thameslink railway line: rolling stock, what assessment he has made of the merits of building new train maintenance depots for Thameslink stations at different locations; and what his Department's policy is on the proposal to build a depot at Hornsey.

Theresa Villiers: The Department for Transport undertook a detailed assessment which considered a range of criteria, such as land availability and operational constraints at a number of locations, when determining the most appropriate sites for the Thameslink depots.
	The Department proposes to build one of the new depots at Hornsey, subject to securing the necessary planning approvals.

Tolls

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress his Department has made on developing the (a) scope and (b) objectives of a road user charging system.

Michael Penning: We are committed to introducing a new system of lorry road user charging which will ensure that all heavy goods vehicles over 12 tonnes, whether UK or foreign-registered, contribute to the cost of maintaining our roads. This will provide a fairer deal for UK operators. We are currently finalising the details of the proposed scheme and intend to consult later in the year.
	The Government have ruled out the introduction of a wider national road user charging scheme during this Parliament, or any preparations for the introduction of such a scheme in the next Parliament.

Transport: Snow and Ice

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the Independent Review Panel on Winter Resilience; and how many times he has met the Panel since December 2010.

Norman Baker: holding answer 17 May 2011
	The Secretary of State met the Winter Resilience Panel on 7 October 2010 in advance of the publication of the Final Report on 22 October. He also met with David Quarmby CBE, chair of the Panel, on 17 December in advance of the publication of his Audit on 21 December. The publication of these reports completed the terms of the Winter Panel's appointments and no further meetings have been held.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Ai Weiwei

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Prime Minister has made to his Chinese counterpart on the detention of Ai Weiwei; and if he will make a statement.

Jeremy Browne: The Prime Minister and other Government Ministers have raised our concerns about human rights issues including the detention of Ai Weiwei in contacts with their Chinese counterparts.
	We will continue to monitor developments in Mr Ai’s case closely and look for further opportunities to raise our concerns.

Ai Weiwei

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Chinese Government on the detention of Ai Weiwei; and if he will make a statement.

Jeremy Browne: On 4 April 2011 the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs made a public statement outlining our concerns about the detention of Ai Weiwei. His statement called on the Chinese Government to clarify Mr Ai's situation and expressed the hope that he would be released immediately. The Secretary of State and I also raised the case with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying when she visited London on 12 May 2011.
	On 11 April 2011 my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister raised the case of Ai Weiwei and expressed his concern about other detained dissidents with the Shanghai Party Secretary and Politiburo Standing Committee member, Yu Zhengsheng. I wrote to the Chinese ambassador regarding Mr Ai's case and other human rights issues on 3 May 2011.
	We will continue to monitor developments in Mr Ai's case closely and look for further opportunities to raise our concerns.

Antarctic Treaty

Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had on the protection and continuation of the Antarctic treaty.

Alistair Burt: The UK is committed to the indefinite application of the Antarctic treaty and its protocol on environmental protection. This year’s Antarctic treaty consultative meeting will be held in Buenos Aires from 20 June to 1 July and will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of the treaty on 23 June. The UK will work with other treaty parties to use this opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the Antarctic treaty and the environmental protocol.

Central Africa: Armed Conflict

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the state of relations between regional armies in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and South Sudan; and what assessment he has made of the commercial interests of the military in those countries from operating in conflict afflicted areas.

Alistair Burt: We have no evidence of notable animosity or distrust between the armies of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Central African Republic (CAR), and South Sudan. CAR was not involved in the Congo wars, and South Sudan played only a limited role supporting the anti-Mobuto forces. All three countries face the joint threat of the Lord's Resistance Army and are discussing cooperative operational responses.
	We are not aware of any particular commercial interests for the armies of South Sudan and CAR from operating in conflict afflicted areas. Individual elements of the Congolese army (FARDC) have been involved in commercial dealings in the conflict zones of eastern DRC including through informal taxation of the mining sector. We consider the demilitarisation of mining in the east of DRC as a key element of creating a sustainable peace in this volatile region and creating a platform for growth in the future. We are working closely with the World Bank and others to encourage the Government to move forward with comprehensive reforms of the mining sector.

Central Africa: Armed Conflict

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure the effectiveness of measures by the African Union to co-ordinate a regional mission to prevent attacks on civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and South Sudan by members of the Lord's Resistance Army.

Alistair Burt: The Government will continue to support all efforts to find a sustainable solution to the problems caused by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). We believe that an essential part of a solution will be to minimise and eradicate the threat that the LRA continues to pose to civilian populations throughout the region. As an active member of the International Working Group (IWG) on the LRA, and through our work with partners at the UN Security Council, we are working to better coordinate the international response.
	The African Union (AU) is in close contact with the IWG and is co-ordinating with countries in the region and local UN Peacekeeping Operations to provide better protection for civilians who are at risk from the LRA. In particular, the AU is currently planning for a regional, AU-led strategy to combat the LRA, and will likely be seeking funding from the EU via their EU-Africa Peace Facility (EU-APF).
	As a major contributor to the EU-APF, the UK will continue to encourage this dialogue between the AU, the EU and other members of the IWG and to urge partners to consider supporting appropriate proposals that will increase the effectiveness of the existing regional effort to pursue the remaining LRA units.

Crown Relocations

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many contracts his Department holds with Crown Relocations; and what the (a) purpose and (b) monetary value of each contract is.

David Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office holds one contract with Crown Relocations. It is for the movement of heavy baggage to and from our network of over 260 overseas posts. This covers approximately 1,500 moves per year, 80% are from UK to post and back and 20% is the movement from post to post. The value is approximately £7 million per annum.

David Houtan Kian

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he is making on behalf of David Houtan Kian, sentenced to imprisonment in Iran as a result of his legal activities on behalf of Sakineh Ashtiani; and if he will raise the case with (a) his EU counterparts and (b) other international bodies.

Alistair Burt: holding answer 23 May 2011
	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has seen media reports to suggest that Mr Javid Houtan Kian has been sentenced to seven years in prison, with a further four year suspended sentence on charges of endangering Iran’s national security and propaganda against the state. Reports also indicate the charge of espionage is still under consideration. We are working to verify this information with international partners, but if true, we completely condemn these sentences as it would appear Mr Kian has been targeted simply for defending his client to the best of his ability. The harassment he and his family have been subject to is entirely unacceptable and should cease. We raised our concerns about his case, and the ongoing case of Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani, most recently on 18 May with the Iranian embassy in London.

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on special advisers' travel by (a) Government car, (b) private hire car, (c) train, (d) bus, (e) commercial aircraft and (f) private aircraft since May 2010.

David Lidington: Excluding when they accompanied the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on ministerial visits overseas, his special advisers have incurred no travel costs.
	Accompanying my right hon. Friend on official ministerial visits overseas, a breakdown of travel costs for Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) special advisers since May 2010 is as follows:
	(a) Government car—None
	(b) Private hire car—£1,546.86
	(c) Train (including Europe)—£3,394.49
	(d) Bus—None
	(e) Commercial aircraft £52,151.15
	(f) Private aircraft—travel for my right hon. Friend and his team travelling on private aircraft is not costed on an individual basis, but for the group as a whole.
	The total cost of FCO ministerial and private office travel (including special advisers) is published on a quarterly basis.

Departmental Pensions

Steven Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of his Department's budget he expects to be spent on staff pensions in each of the next five years.

Alistair Burt: Pension benefits for UK based Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff are provided through arrangements under the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme. Therefore the budget for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not include expenditure for paying pensions.
	Details of the level of social security and other pension costs to the Department are published annually within our Resource Accounts which are available on the Department's website. Information on costs for the last financial year (2010-11) is expected to be available in June 2011.
	The proportion of the Department's budget to be spent on employer contributions or UK staff in each of the next five years will be determined by whatever changes are agreed to the Principal Civil Service scheme following the recommendations in the Hutton review.

Egypt: Internet

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Egypt on the treatment of dissident bloggers.

William Hague: I visited Egypt on 1-2 May. In my meeting with the head of the Supreme Council of the armed forces, Field Marshal Tantawi, I raised our concern about the use of military courts to enforce the emergency law in proceedings against civilians. Field Marshal Tantawi assured me that work would be undertaken to repeal the emergency law.
	Following the sentencing of the blogger Maikel Nabil Sanad, our ambassador in Cairo raised our concerns about Sanad's case, and the detentions of protesters and military trials, with the Egyptian Interior Minister on 14 April. The Minister gave his assurance that respect for human rights would be instituted throughout the Ministry of Interior.

Embassies: Buildings

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the cost of damage to British embassy buildings in the countries of north Africa and the middle east attributable to uprisings since January 2011.

David Lidington: Significant damage to British embassy buildings as a result of the north Africa and middle east uprisings has been limited to Libya. The building housing the British ambassador's residence and the British embassy in Tripoli was attacked by a mob on 30 April 2011 and largely destroyed by fire. The residence building, an embassy amenity building and several staff houses were looted with many official and staff personal assets stolen.
	The full extent of our losses is still being assessed. We are currently considering the options available to recover these losses.

Internet

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps his Department has undertaken to support human rights activists and others to access the internet in countries where such access is restricted.

William Hague: The UK is committed to supporting human rights defenders around the world. This includes support to those who are seeking to exercise their right to freedom of expression on the Internet. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and posts overseas work closely with EU partners and others on a range of initiatives tailored to specific local needs to support human rights defenders.
	The UK is committed to supporting freedom of expression on the internet and will continue to encourage states that restrict access to online media to uphold their international human rights commitments. We will also continue to publicly support those who seek to exercise their right to freedom of expression, including through the use of new media.

Libya: Foreign Relations

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government is maintaining any contact with the Gadaffi Government in Libya.

Alistair Burt: We no longer maintain an Embassy in tripoli nor have direct contact with the Gaddafi Government there, but we continue to maintain limited operational contact with the Libyan embassy in London. We have used these links to make clear to the regime that it must comply in full with UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973, desist from further violence and withdraw military forces to barracks.

Libya: Oil

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures are in place to ensure that proceeds from the sale of oil in Libya are not used to support the Gaddafi Government.

William Hague: The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC), which has a virtual monopoly on exports and imports of crude oil and petroleum products from the regime-controlled parts of Libya, is subject to an asset freeze under UN Security Council Resolution 1973. These sanctions cover imports and exports of oil and petroleum products by the NOC and its subsidiaries, and any payments for such shipments.

Middle East: Demonstrations

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on recent Nakba Day protests.

Alistair Burt: Nakba day demonstrations took place in many countries across the middle east on the weekend of 13-15 May 2011. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs issued a statement on 15 May 2011 expressing his concerns and regret:
	“I am deeply concerned by the violence on Israel’s borders today and saddened by the loss of life. I call on all parties to exercise restraint and ensure that civilian life is protected. These developments make clearer than ever that a lasting and comprehensive resolution to the conflicts in the region is urgently needed and will only be achieved through negotiation.”

Palestinians: Borders

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his Egyptian counterpart on the decision to open the Rafah border crossing to Gaza.

William Hague: Despite the expressed wish of the Egyptian Government to relax the border controls with Gaza, there has been no change to the operation of the Rafah border crossing since it was re-opened after the revolution. The Egyptian authorities continue to apply strictly the categories of those who are permitted to travel, including those requiring hospital treatment in Egypt, university students, residency holders and foreign passports holders.
	During my visit to Egypt on 2 May, I asked the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Nabil al-Arabi, about Egypt's stated intention to relax the Rafah crossing controls in the context of concerns about security in Egypt. Mr al-Arabi explained that the Egyptian Government was committed to alleviating the suffering of people in Gaza and, in that context, intended to reopen fully the Rafah crossing as soon as was possible. However, the modalities of doing so were taking longer than they had originally expected.

Syria: Demonstrations

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of protests in (a) Syria and (b) Libya since March 2010; what discussions he has had at the UN in each case; what recent (i) discussions he has had with and (ii) representations he has received from the Arab League in each case; and if he will make a statement.

Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has briefed the House regularly on developments in Libya. There have been continuing discussion of the issue in the United Nations, including UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973. Throughout the crisis the Secretary of State maintained contact with the Arab League, including through personal discussions with the League's Secretary-General. On 12 March the Arab League became the first organisation to call for the establishment of a No-Fly Zone over Libya. It has continued to take an active role in international efforts and attended the London Conference on Libya on 29 March and is represented at the Contact Group on Libya, which met most recently on 5 May in Rome.
	We are extremely concerned by ongoing violence and repression in Syria. We continue to see a violent response to protests following Friday prayers, leading to the deaths of many innocent people. President Assad should order his authorities to show restraint and to respond to the legitimate demands of his people with immediate and genuine reform, not with brutal repression. The UN Security Council discussed Syria on 27 April. There was broad condemnation of Syrian behaviour. We continue to explore our options in consultation with UN and EU partners. We have lobbied Arab League countries to encourage them to make statements condemning the repression and violence in Syria. We strongly urge the Syrian Government to allow international humanitarian organisations access to all parts of Syria, in particular the city of Deraa, in order to prevent further humanitarian suffering.

Uganda: Violence

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to President Museveni and the Government of Uganda on the recent use of force against protesters in that country.

Alistair Burt: holding answer 23 May 2011
	The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), has directly raised the UK’s concerns over the Ugandan authorities’ handling of the ongoing opposition protests with Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa. Our high commission in Kampala, along with other EU member state missions, has raised our concerns directly with President Museveni. Our high commission has also raised concerns with the Ugandan Prime Minister and inspector general of police.
	The UK and its partners have urged the Ugandan authorities to respect their people’s constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful exercise of the freedoms of speech and assembly, and that the police should respond proportionally to instances of unrest among demonstrators.

TREASURY

Banks: Pay

Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the effects on income inequality of bonuses paid to bankers.

Mark Hoban: Due to data limitations it is not possible to provide a robust estimate of the effects of bankers' bonuses on income inequality.
	The Government have been clear that the banks must act responsibly in setting their bonuses and continues to take robust action to tackle unacceptable remuneration.
	As a result of the Government's discussions, the total remuneration paid by the four largest UK banks to their UK-based staff was lower in 2010 than it was in 2009, and lower than it would have been otherwise. The Remuneration Committee Chair of each bank has written to the Financial Services Authority to confirm that this commitment has been met.

Climate Change: EU Action

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what agreements on climate finance were made at the Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting on 17 May 2011.

Justine Greening: The EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 17 May 2011 adopted Council Conclusions on international climate finance.
	The conclusions endorsed the EU' Fast Start finance report which confirms that the EU mobilised €2.34 billion of Fast Start finance in 2010. The conclusions concurred with the UN High Level Advisory Group on Climate. Finance (AGF) report that it will be challenging but feasible to meet the goal for developed countries to jointly mobilise $100 billion per year by 2020, and outlined elements that will be important to deliver this finance.
	The full text of the conclusions can be found at:
	http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ecofin/122061.pdf

Guardian's Allowance: Grandparents

Graeme Morrice: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to extend the qualification criteria for guardian's allowance to include grandparents who become guardians of children who are not orphaned.

Justine Greening: The Government have no current plans to change the eligibility criteria for guardian's allowance. Where grandparents have the primary responsibility for bringing up their grandchildren, they are entitled to financial support, namely child benefit and child tax credit, on the same terms as a parent would be. Child benefit and child tax credit guarantee support for the first child of over £4,000 a year for grandparents on very low incomes.

Public Sector: Pensions

Jim McGovern: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what considerations he took into account when proposing the rate of increase in contributions for (a) the Local Government Pension Scheme and (b) the Judges’ Pension Scheme.

Danny Alexander: The interim report of the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission, chaired by Lord Hutton of Furness, found that the value of public service pensions been increasing following dramatic increase in life expectancy at retirement. Current pensioners are expected to spend over 40% of their adult lives in retirement, compared to 30% for pensioners in the 1950s. Most of these extra costs have fallen to employers and taxpayers.
	Spending review 2010 announced progressive changes to the level of employee contributions to public service pensions that lead to savings of £2.8 billion a year from the unfunded pension schemes by 2014-15, to be phased in from 2012-13, excluding the armed forces. This is equivalent to 3.2 percentage point increase on average.
	No decisions have been taken on individual schemes—this is subject of discussions with trade unions and other work force representatives.

VAT: Channel Islands

Denis MacShane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on the effect on VAT revenues of the import of beauty products supplied to the UK from the Channel Islands in fulfilment of internet orders.

David Gauke: The Government have received representations from this trade sector, along with other trade sectors in the UK who are impacted by shipments from the Channel Islands benefiting from the low value consignment relief (LVCR).

VAT: Channel Islands

Denis MacShane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the Channel Islands authorities on the revenue foregone by the Exchequer on taxation on beauty products ordered from the Channel Islands over the internet.

David Gauke: Following the announcement in the March Budget of the Government’s intention to reduce the value threshold, my officials have been in further contact with the authorities in Jersey and Guernsey concerning the impact and operation of low value consignment relief.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Departmental CCTV

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many CCTV cameras are installed in and around his Department's premises; and how much such cameras (a) cost to install and (b) cost to operate in the latest period for which figures are available.

Chris Grayling: The Department has a contract for the provision of fully fitted and serviced accommodation for which it pays an all inclusive unitary charge. The scope of the services includes the provision of accommodation and services in over 900 buildings including security and associated equipment
	CCTV is deployed following a security risk assessment and has been installed at 767 sites across the Department's estate. The number of cameras at each site varies according to the assessment, but the exact number of cameras can be determined only at disproportionate cost.
	The cost of installing and operating CCTV is included in the unitary charge and can be disaggregated only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Data Protection

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many contracts his Department holds which allow contractors to store personal data of UK citizens overseas; to which contracts this applies; in which countries the data for each such contract is held; and how many people have their data stored overseas under each such contract.

Chris Grayling: All relevant departmental contracts are explicit that suppliers and partners may not transfer or store data overseas without specific agreement from the Department.
	A formal and rigorous approval route, fully consistent with provisions of Cabinet Office instructions and Data Protection Act requirements is operated by DWP in the evaluation of any off shoring proposals made to the Department. This includes, and references, relevant EEA and Safe Harbor regulations.
	Some business data are stored outside of the UK. Information required from Government Procurement Card (GPC) holders is mainly business information with very limited personal data. This is stored in the UK and USA dictated by processing arrangements. In the case of DWP, this relates to 3,396 GPC users.
	The DWP TNT (Courier) contractual arrangement includes a small number of international courier accounts for the International Pension Centre—that require a track and trace service from dispatch through to the customer's address overseas. TNT systems will only record the customer name and delivery addresses and in some circumstances a contact telephone number. This information is held by receiving depots overseas for a period of six months. All international couriers use name and address detail for service delivery.
	Due to the nature of the service used, any data stored are solely dependent on service users and therefore it is not possible to confirm in which countries the data for each such consignment are held. TNT has confirmed that currently 308 customer names and addresses are held.

Disability Living Allowance: Care Homes

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his timetable is for changes to the mobility component of disability living allowance for those living in care homes.

Maria Miller: Officials in the Department for Work and Pensions are reviewing existing evidence and gathering more to determine the extent to which there are overlaps in provision for mobility needs of people in residential care homes. Our aim is to reduce overlaps in public spending not disabled people's ability to get out and about. When the work is complete we will make a final decision on the way forward.
	Any changes to the mobility component for people living in care homes will be made as part of the wider reform of disability living allowance and its replacement with personal independence payment in 2013.

Employment Schemes: Older Workers

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he plans to take to assist older jobseekers in finding employment.

Chris Grayling: We have given Jobcentre staff more flexibility to help customers of all ages find and keep jobs. We are rolling out a number of new measures aimed at getting Britain working, including work clubs to help jobseekers share skills or experiences and the new enterprise allowance to assist those considering self-employment. Jobcentre staff will discuss possible options with older jobseekers. From this summer, the Work programme will provide personalised support for people who are unemployed for longer or who need early intensive support.

Employment Schemes: Older Workers

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to assist older people in employment who wish to change careers.

Chris Grayling: Jobcentre Plus has job vacancy services which are freely available for people of all ages to use, including those who are already in employment. Any employed person who contacts Jobcentre Plus for advice about a career change will be advised about the job vacancy service. They will also be signposted to the Next Step service, which is a free, impartial and confidential government-funded service for adults in England who are looking for advice about careers, skills and work choices. Careers Scotland and Careers Wales provides similar support for people in those countries. These services are available to employed and unemployed people of all ages.

Housing Benefit

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will place in the Library a copy of the guidance and communications tool kit for local authorities on the promotion of early intervention and the provision of assistance to existing customers referred to in the local Housing Impact Assessment published in December 2010.

Steve Webb: As part of our work with local authorities on communications, we have provided a number of products including model letters to landlords and existing customers, an implementation tasksheet, and model leaflets. These products can be branded in a way local authorities choose. We have also issued a specific DWP branded leaflet and poster. Before April 2011, we revised the Local Housing Allowance guidance manual and the Discretionary Housing Payments guide. These products will be placed in the library and they are available on the DWP website:
	http://www.dwp.gov.uk/local%2Dauthority%2Dstaff/housing%2Dbenefit/
	During March and April 2011, we held a series of four conferences in England, Scotland and Wales for housing benefit managers, to help communicate the local housing allowance changes effectively. Over the next few months, we will be providing further support and guidance including a series of visits by officials to local authorities to identify any issues and promote best practice.
	The Government will continue to work closely with the 380 local authorities to ensure that the full range of options for customers facing a shortfall in their rent as a consequence of the housing benefit reforms is publicised, and that people are encouraged to consider all available options in good time.

Housing Benefit

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he plans to issue a consultation paper on the payment of housing costs for people living in supported and sheltered housing classified as exempt accommodation.

Steve Webb: We expect to publish the consultation this spring.

Housing Benefit

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much was spent on housing benefit in each year since 2009-10; and what proportion of the budget for welfare services, excluding pensions, was spent on housing benefit in each year since 1997.

Steve Webb: The information is in the following table.
	
		
			 Housing benefit expenditure as a share of total benefit expenditure, 1997-98 to 2009-10 
			  £ million  
			  Housing benefit Total benefit expenditure excluding state pension Housing benefit proportion (percentage) 
			 1997-98 11,176.4 59,756.4 18.7 
			 1998-99 11,064.8 59,950.9 18.5 
			 1999-2000 11,064.1 61,235.6 18.1 
			 2000-01 11,162.3 62,616.7 17.8 
			 2001-02 11,588.7 64,770.0 17.9 
			 2002-03 12,636.3 65,920.6 19.2 
			 2003-04 12,341.5 59,253.5 20.8 
			 2004-05 13,157.6 62,269.2 21.1 
			 2005-06 13,928.2 64,328.7 21.7 
			 2006-07 14,840.5 65,513.9 22.7 
			 2007-08 15,731.8 68,301.0 23.0 
			 2008-09 17,103.4 73,776.4 23.2 
			 2009-10 19,989.2 80,674.9 24.8 
			 Notes: 1. Outturn information for 2010-11 is not yet available. 2. Housing benefit expenditure as a proportion of total benefit expenditure excluding state pension jumps significantly in 2003-04 as total benefit expenditure reduces with the transfer of child benefit to HM Revenue and Customs. 3. Benefit expenditure tables are published on the internet at: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/index.php?page=expenditure Source: DWP statistical and accounting data

Industrial Health and Safety

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he has had recent discussions with representatives of the Health and Safety Commission on the Health and Safety Executive's Incident Selection Criteria Guidance section 5.0; and if he will make a statement.

Chris Grayling: The Health and Safety Executive's incident selection criteria are designed so that serious incidents are considered for possible investigation thereby making effective use of investigation resource. Any decision to investigate a specific incident is an operational decision.

Jobcentre Plus

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the ratio of unemployed people to Jobcentre Plus staff (a) on the most recent date for which figures are available and (b) in May 2012.

Chris Grayling: As at December 2010, the latest point for which staffing levels have been published, there was a ratio of 19 claimant unemployed people for each member of total Jobcentre Plus staffing. However we are unable to provide a ratio of unemployed people to Jobcentre Plus staff for May 2012, as this information is currently not available in the format requested. The spending review 2010 announced that DWP would deliver 26% savings in real terms from its core budget over the four year period to 2015. Jobcentre Plus will contribute to these savings by driving up efficiency in the way it works through more use of its online services and implementing ideas that help improve processes and productivity.

Jobcentre Plus: Clydebank

Eilidh Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effects of the closure of the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank on the provision of client services in that area.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what assessment .has been made of the effects of the closure of the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank on the provision of client services in that area. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	Clydebank Contact Centre is part of the virtual network within Jobcentre Plus' Contact Centre Directorate. Within this network, calls are directed to the next available advisor with the appropriate skills to answer customers' enquiries. This means that Clydebank Contact Centre deals with calls from all over the UK, rather than just the local area. Therefore, there should be no impact on client services within the area.
	Clydebank currently handles calls for a number of different services, including new claims to Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support enquiries, services to employers who wish to notify vacancies including by e-mail and fax, and customers looking for work. All these services are also provided by other contact centres within the network.

Jobcentre Plus: Clydebank

Eilidh Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of disposal of the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank;
	(2)  how much funding his Department has allocated for investment in the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank in each of the last six years.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of disposal of the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank and how much funding his Department has allocated for investment in the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank in each of the last six years This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	DWP does not own its own estate. The Department signed a 20 year Private Finance Initiative contract with Telereal Trillium in 1998 for the provision of fully fitted and serviced accommodation for which the Department pays an all inclusive unitary charge. As such the closure of the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank will reduce the overall cost of the contract and any costs incurred in the disposal will be recouped within an approved period.
	The contract with Telereal Trillium means that our estates partner is responsible for maintaining all of our sites to the required standard. There has been no other capital investment in the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank in the last six years.

Jobcentre Plus: Clydebank

Eilidh Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what support and guidance his Department is offering to staff at the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank following the decision to close the centre.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what support and guidance his Department is offering to staff at the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank following the decision to close the centre. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	DWP realises that the announcements which we made on 13th May regarding the closure of 22 benefit and contact centres will be unsettling to all staff. The line managers of staff at Clydebank Contact Centre will be available to support them, both now and throughout the next few months. Our immediate priority is to understand individual circumstances, and so we are currently arranging for each member of staff to have a one-to-one discussion with their line manager to discuss the closure and how it might affect them and to talk about their personal circumstances. Managers will also be there to answer or deal with any questions or concerns that they may have. Where the manager does not have the information to answer the question, we have introduced an issues escalation process. Managers in Clydebank contact centre are currently undertaking training to help them fulfil their role in supporting their teams through this challenging time.
	In addition, staff who are union members may also want to speak to their Trade Union representative. We did arrange for a Trade Union representative to be on site on 13th May and to have time to talk to members of staff.
	If staff would prefer to speak with someone from outside the Department, our Employee Assistance provider, Right Corecare, is available 24 hours a day. Our contract with Right Corecare provides unlimited, confidential access to their helplines on 0800 652 3304.
	In addition, managers will have regular communications with staff and will keep them informed of any developments as they occur. We will also use the full range of our existing communications channels, including our intranet pages and events such as Your Call, which is a live audio conference event where people in Jobcentre Plus can speak directly to me and my Jobcentre Plus Board members to get answers to their questions.

Jobcentre Plus: Clydebank

Eilidh Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department plans any compulsory redundancies in respect of staff at the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking whether his Department plans any compulsory redundancies in respect of staff at the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	DWP will always take all possible steps, including redeploying people into other jobs, to avoid compulsory redundancy. This applies to Clydebank Contact Centre, which is due to close within the next 12 months. The Department has an excellent track record in securing alternative roles for its people and would not want to use public money for exits unless absolutely necessary. Our plans to enlarge some other sites, our robust workforce planning and workforce management arrangements will alt help us towards avoiding a situation where compulsory redundancy is necessary in Clydebank Contact Centre or any Jobcentre Plus sites listed for closure. However, we cannot guarantee this.

Jobcentre Plus: Clydebank

Eilidh Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many staff at the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank he expects to be redeployed to other locations.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how many staff at the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank will be redeployed to other locations. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	Our first consideration will be to redeploy as many staff as we can to other sites which are within the area. For example, near Clydebank, Jobcentre Plus also has contact centres in Paisley and Springburn. In addition, we have benefit centres in Glasgow and Clydebank, as well as a number of Jobcentres across the area.
	The 128 permanent staff in Clydebank will all receive an offer of redeployment within Jobcentre Plus, either locally or further afield. Most will be within our usual mobility rules, but if those opportunities are further away we will help staff with travel costs. I cannot provide you with a firm estimate of the number of staff who will take up this offer of redeployment until we have had one to one discussions with every individual member of staff, to understand their personal circumstances.

Jobcentre Plus: Clydebank

Eilidh Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many clients have been dealt with at the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank in each of the last five years.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how many clients have been dealt with at the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank in each of the last five years. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	Clydebank Contact Centre is part of the virtual network within Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre Directorate. Within this network, calls are directed to the next available advisor with the appropriate skills to answer customers' enquiries. This means that Clydebank Contact Centre deals with calls from all over the UK, rather than just the local area. Therefore, there should be no impact on client services within the area.
	Clydebank Contact Centre made:
	807,493 customer contacts in 2006/2007;
	785,062 customer contacts in 2007/2008;
	860,855 customer contacts in 2008/2009;
	552,908 customer contacts in 2009/2010; and
	519,866 customer contacts in 2010/2011.
	The term ‘customer contact’ covers all customers and employers who contact us via the telephone, fax and online, and all outbound calls to customers.

Jobcentre Plus: Clydebank

Eilidh Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many staff were employed at the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank in each of the last six years.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how many staff were employed at the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre in Clydebank in each of the last six years. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	Clydebank Contact Centre had a headcount of:
	140 staff (126.37 whole time equivalent) in March 2007;
	132 staff (119.34 whole time equivalent) in March 2008;
	152 staff (141.12 whole time equivalent) in March 2009;
	196 staff (181.41 whole time equivalent) in March 2010, and
	133 staff (117.66 whole time equivalent) in March 2011.
	We do not hold any data for March 2006. Our staffing data system only became available in March 2007. Prior to this date we are unable to analyse and interpret the data sufficiently to get accurate information.

Jobcentre Plus: Scotland

Eilidh Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans his Department has to transfer services from Jobcentre Plus contact centres and benefit centres in Scotland to other areas of the UK.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what plans his Department has to transfer services from Jobcentre Plus Contact Centres and benefit centres in Scotland to other areas of the UK. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	Clydebank Contact Centre is part of the virtual network within Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre Directorate. Within this network, calls are directed to the next available advisor with the appropriate skills to answer customers' enquiries. Therefore the transfer of services will occur via the virtual network.
	Internally Jobcentre Plus is currently developing site by site plans for the movement of benefit work from the sites affected by our site rationalisation plans that were announced on 13th May. As yet, no decisions have been made on work movements, either within Scotland, or to other areas of the UK.

Jobseeker’s Allowance: Work Experience

Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will bring forward proposals to enable people who take up internships to claim jobseeker's allowance.

Chris Grayling: People undertaking an unpaid internship can already receive jobseeker's allowance as long as they can continue to meet the conditions of entitlement. The duration and content of the internship must be agreed between the customer, the employer and the Jobcentre Plus adviser before the start of the internship. People undertaking paid internships over 16 hours a week are not entitled to jobseeker’s allowance.
	In addition, under a new scheme that I announced in January, young people will also be allowed to undertake work experience for up to eight weeks while remaining on jobseeker’s allowance, instead of the previous two. This gives young people the chance to get valuable experience in a business, which will make a real difference to their confidence, their employability and their prospects.

Mortgages: Government Assistance

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of recipients of disability living allowance who receive more support for mortgage interest support each year than the cost of their mortgage in the last year for which figures are available; and what the average monetary value was of such excess support.

Steve Webb: We do not have information on the contractual mortgage interest rates that apply to specific individuals or groups within the support for mortgage interest caseload, so cannot give the number of recipients of disability living allowance who receive more support for mortgage interest support each year than the cost of their mortgage.
	There is no business need for the Department to collect information on claimants' contractual interest rates because we use a standard rate of interest to calculate support for mortgage interest.

National Insurance Contributions

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  if he will estimate the change in the level of national insurance payments made by (a) employers and (b) employees in respect of employees who are members of contracted-out pension schemes in each year to 2030 (i) under current proposals and (ii) under an accelerated timetable for achieving a flat-rate state second pension by 2020;
	(2)  if he will estimate the level of national insurance payments which will be foregone from (a) employer and (b) employee contributions through the contracting-out regime in each year to 2030 (i) under existing arrangements and (ii) under an accelerated timetable for achieving a flat-rate state second pension by 2020.

Steve Webb: The following table contains forecasts of the total value of the contracted-out rebate on (a) employer and (b) employee national insurance contributions paid on the earnings of contracted-out employees. Forecasts are presented under (i) the current arrangements, and (ii) an accelerated timetable for flat-rating the state second pension.
	Forecasts are only available until 2015-16. The Office for Budget Responsibility will be publishing a report on long-term expenditure in July, which will be based on new long-term economic forecasts. Forecasts of the contracted-out rebate up to 2030-31 will then be available.
	Under the accelerated timetable for flat-rating the state second pension, we assume that the upper accrual point is gradually reduced to the level of the low earnings threshold, beginning in 2013-14 and ending in 2020-21 with a completely flat-rate pension.
	Forecasts are not available for total national insurance contributions paid on the earnings of contracted-out employees.
	Figures are in £ billion in cash terms, and are for the UK.
	
		
			 Forecasts of the total value of the contracted-out rebate to 2015/16 under: (i) existing arrangements; and (ii) an accelerated timetable for flat-rating the state second pension—United Kingdom, £ billion cash terms 
			 Contracted-out rebate, £ billion cash terms 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 
			 (a) On employer contributions      
			 (i) under existing arrangements 6.4 4.3 4.3 4.2 4.1 
			 (ii) under accelerated flat-rating proposal 6.4 4.3 4.1 3.9 3.6 
			       
			 (b) On employee contributions      
			 (i) under existing arrangements 2.6 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 
			 (it) under accelerated flat-rating proposal 2.6 1.8 1.7 1.6 1.5 
			 Notes: 1. Figures are presented in £ billions and are rounded to the nearest £0.1 billion. 2. Forecasts assume rebate rates for contracted-out defined benefit scheme members of 1.4% on employee contributions and 3.4 per cent on employer contributions from 2012-13 onwards. These are the rates that have been set by the Government for the period 2012-13 to 2016-17. See The Social Security (Reduced Rates of Class 1 Contributions, Rebates and Minimum Contributions) Order 2011, available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/1036/contents/made 3. Contracting out on a defined contribution basis is to be abolished from 2012-13 onwards. 4. Forecasts are based on Government Actuary's Department assumptions about future contracted-out defined benefit scheme membership. 5. Options for reform of the state pension system are put forward in: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2011/state-pension-21st-century.shtml Source: DWP, forecasts produced using the Government Actuary's Department's national insurance contribution forecasting model

New Enterprise Allowance

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 12 May 2011, Official Report, columns 1291-2W, on enterprise zones, how many responses his Department has received from local entrepreneur mentors to his invitation to deliver the mentor support element of the new enterprise allowance.

Chris Grayling: The deadline for applications to help deliver the mentoring support element of the new enterprise allowance in Wales closed on 12 May. We are now in the process of assessing the applications received. Details of the successful applicants will be published on the new enterprise allowance page of the Department's website in due course.

New Enterprise Allowance: Wales

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department has allocated to the establishment of the New Enterprise Allowance in Wales.

Chris Grayling: Funding for the new enterprise allowance in Wales, as elsewhere, will be dependent upon the numbers of customers who take-up the new enterprise allowance including those referred to the mentoring service, claiming the weekly allowance and successfully applying for the loan. There is not therefore a fixed proportion of money allocated to the operation of the NEA, but we would expect expenditure to be broadly in line with the proportion of eligible JSA claimants in Wales.

Pensioners: Benefits

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of paying means-tested benefits to pensioners in each year to 2030; and what the equivalent figures would be if the basic state pension were raised to £140 in 2011 and then uprated in line with current proposals each year.

Steve Webb: The following tables show estimates of expenditure on the pensioner means-tested benefits until 2015-16; the first table is in nominal terms, the second in 2011-12 prices. The Office for Budget Responsibility will be publishing a report on long-term expenditure in July, which will cover the period up to 2030.
	
		
			 Expenditure £ million nominal terms 
			  Estimate Forecast 
			  2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 
			 Pension credit 8,178 8,185 7,982 7,813 7,851 7,829 
			 Housing benefit total over pension credit qualifying age 6,090 6,262 6,315 6,172 6,158 6,205 
			 Council tax benefit total over pension credit qualifying age 2,334 2,273 2,260 2,004 1,982 1,971 
		
	
	
		
			 Total 16,602 16,720 16,558 15,990 15,992 16,004 
		
	
	
		
			 Expenditure £ million real terms 2011-12 prices 
			  Estimate Forecast 
			  2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 
			 Pension credit 8,415 8,185 7,788 7,422 7,263 7,051 
			 Housing benefit total over pension credit qualifying age 6,267 6,262 6,161 5,863 5,696 5,589 
			 Council tax benefit total over pension credit qualifying age 2,402 2,273 2,205 1,904 1,833 1,775 
			 Total 17,084 16,720 16,154 15,190 14,792 14,415 
			 Source: DWP and local authorities’ statistical and accounting data 
		
	
	In relation to the second part of the question, the Government are currently consulting on proposals for state pension reform. The consultation document seeks views on the appropriate level of means-tested benefits for future pensioners.

Pensioners: British Nationals Abroad

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department takes to protect the pension rights of UK citizens who have lived in, but not worked in, other EU countries.

Chris Grayling: An individual's entitlement to retirement pension is based on the national insurance contributions (NICs) they have paid throughout their working life. Recipients need to have paid a full contribution record ranging from 30 to 44 full years of NICs, depending on their gender and date of birth.
	If a person has lived in another EU country, but not worked or contributed towards a state retirement pension they may not have built up any entitlement there. In addition, they may not have achieved a full contribution record for a UK retirement pension. However, the rights they have already acquired in the UK will be preserved, and in due course they are entitled to receive the proportion of the retirement pension they have accrued even if they are not resident in the UK. In those circumstances they can increase their UK contribution record, if they wish to do so, by purchasing additional years of contributions in order to receive the maximum state retirement pension.
	Additional protection is available to some UK citizens who live abroad and who notify HMRC. If they are over 35-years-old and do not already have 30 qualifying contribution years, they will be issued with deficiency notices advising them that they can pay voluntary NICs to make the year a qualifying year. A comprehensive explanation about voluntary NICs, and the conditions attached to payment from abroad, is available on HMRC's website:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/osc.htm

Poverty: Children

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made of the level of child poverty in (a) the London borough of Bexley and (b) London.

Maria Miller: Estimates of the number and proportion of children living in poverty are published in the Households Below Average Income (HBAI) series. HBAI uses household income adjusted (or 'equivalised') for household size and composition, to provide a proxy for standard of living.
	As they are based on survey data, child poverty estimates published in HBAI only allow breakdowns to Government Office Region and analysis by local authority (LA) is not possible. However, figures for London are set out in Table 1. The latest available Government Office Region data covers 2007/08 to 2009/10.
	
		
			 Table 1: Number and percentage of children living in relative poverty before housing costs (BHC) in London 
			  2007  -  08   to   2009  -  10 
			 Number of children (million) 0.3 
			 Percentage 20 
			 Notes: 1. These statistics are based on households below average income (HBAI) data sourced from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). This uses disposable household income, adjusted using modified OECD equivalisation factors for household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. 2. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to uncertainty. Small differences should be treated with caution as these will be affected by sampling error and variability in non-response. 3. The reference period for households below average income figures are single financial years. Three survey years have been combined as regional single year estimates are subject to volatility. 4. Numbers of children in low-income households have been rounded to the nearest 100,000, while proportions have been rounded to the nearest percentage point. 5. These statistics are based on incomes before housing costs. 6. Relative poverty is defined as children living in households with less than 60% of contemporary median household income. 7. These statistics are publicly available in the households below average income report on the DWP website: http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=hbai Source:  Households below average income, DWP

Social Security Benefits

Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many households subject to the household benefit cap he expects will have (a) one and (b) more than one household member in work at the point at which the cap is introduced.

Chris Grayling: We have announced that when the benefit cap is introduced all households which include a member who is entitled to working tax credit will be exempt from its impact.
	The estimated number of households affected by the introduction of the benefit cap where (a) one and (b) more than one household member is working but for insufficient hours to qualify for working tax credit is negligible.
	Analysis of the benefit cap is based on a very small sample using survey data, therefore, any assessment of those households affected by the benefit cap is subject to uncertainty.

State Retirement Pensions

David Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department has carried out an equalities impact assessment on the proposals to accelerate the timetable for the increase in the state pension age.

Steve Webb: The White Paper “A sustainable State Pension: when the State Pension age will increase to 66”, published in November 2010, contains an equality impact assessment of the proposed changes to the state pension age. The impact assessment has subsequently been republished twice, on the introduction of the Pensions Bill in the Lords and in the Commons. A copy of the latest version has been placed in the Library.

Winter Fuel Payments: Expenditure

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects to publish information on expenditure on winter fuel payments for 2010-11.

Steve Webb: Winter fuel payments outturn expenditure for 2010-11 will be published in the Department' for Work and Pensions resource accounts publication on the 18 July 2011.

CABINET OFFICE

Departmental Co-ordination

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what recent steps he has taken to develop more efficient and co-ordinated working practices across Government Departments.

Francis Maude: holding answer 23 May 2011
	The Efficiency and Reform Group has been set up to create a new corporate centre to drive reform and co-ordinate actions across Departments. It is introducing a more unified approach to common processes across Government in order to deliver a step change in efficiency in areas such as civil service HR, ICT, commercial and procurement, estates and other support functions.
	Recently, for example, it has published the Government's ICT strategy, which will deliver better public services for less cost. A common ICT infrastructure will allow for the sharing and re-use of our ICT assets across organisational boundaries. This will save millions by reducing duplication and waste, and improve the way we deliver and use ICT. Our new centralised procurement model will reform how Government buys common goods and services, through centrally managing the procurement of certain categories of spend such as energy, office solutions and travel. ERG has implemented controls on Government spending, requiring central approval for certain categories of spend to ensure a co-ordinated approach across Departments and to prevent non-essential expenditure.
	ERG has already been effective in supporting Departments to achieve savings, which are expected to have reached over £3 billion in 2010-11.

Electoral Register

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the difference was in the number of registered electors in each constituency between 2009 and 2010; and what assessment he has made of the reasons for any differences.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply to the hon. Member. A copy of their response will be placed in the Library.
	Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated May 2011
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what the difference was in the number of registered electors in each constituency between 2009 and 2010; and what assessment has been made of the reasons for any differences (57192).
	Table 1 shows the difference in the number of registered parliamentary electors between 2009 and 2010 for each parliamentary constituency in the UK.
	The Government has not made an assessment of the reasons for the difference in registered electors in individual constituencies. However, the Electoral Commission will be conducting research on the completeness and accuracy of electoral registers as part of the introduction of individual electoral registration.
	
		
			 Table 1: Registered parliamentary electors for each parliamentary constituency in the UK, constituent countries of the United Kingdom, parliamentary constituencies  (1) 
			   Total electors Difference 
			 Parliamentary constituency  1 December 2009 1 December 2010 2010 minus 2009 
			 United Kingdom  45,420,808 45,844,691 423,883 
			      
			 England  38,129,082 38,443,481 314,399 
			 Aldershot(2) B 70,596 71,908 1,312 
			 Aldridge-Brownhills B 59,214 59,506 292 
			 Altrincham and Sale West B 71,192 72,008 816 
			 Amber Valley C 69,385 69,538 153 
			 Arundel and South Downs C 76,018 76,697 679 
			 Ashfield C 77,692 77,049 -643 
			 Ashford C 81,088 81,947 859 
			 Ashton-under-Lyne B 67,657 68,553 896 
			 Aylesbury C 78,017 78,750 733 
			 Banbury C 83,933 84,063 130 
			 Barking B 73,303 74,027 724 
			 Barnsley Central B 64,864 64,732 -132 
			 Barnsley East C 68,011 68,243 232 
			 Barrow and Furness C 69,281 69,148 -133 
			 Basildon and Billericay B 65,302 65,373 71 
			 Basingstoke B 75,108 75,470 362 
			 Bassetlaw C 76,741 78,306 1,565 
			 Bath B 65,992 66,690 698 
			 Batley and Spen B 76,619 77,472 853 
			 Battersea B 71,941 73,028 1,087 
			 Beaconsfield C 74,284 75,320 1,036 
			 Beckenham B 66,029 66,470 441 
			 Bedford B 68,692 69,019 327 
		
	
	
		
			 Bermondsey and Old Southwark B 75,838 77,186 1,348 
			 Berwick-upon-Tweed C 57,112 55,785 -1,327 
			 Bethnal Green and Bow B 76,272 79,581 3,309 
			 Beverley and Holderness C 79,788 79,775 -13 
			 Bexhill and Battle C 78,169 78,602 433 
			 Bexleyheath and Crayford B 64,791 64,144 -647 
			 Birkenhead B 62,970 62,432 -538 
			 Birmingham Edgbaston B 68,566 69,039 473 
			 Birmingham Erdington B 66,839 67,598 759 
			 Birmingham Hall Green B 76,576 77,157 581 
			 Birmingham Hodge Hill B 75,330 75,985 655 
			 Birmingham Ladywood B 72,809 74,008 1,199 
			 Birmingham Northfield B 71,866 72,190 324 
			 Birmingham Perry Barr B 71,647 71,794 147 
			 Birmingham Selly Oak B 75,048 75,668 620 
			 Birmingham Yardley B 72,732 73,261 529 
			 Bishop Auckland C 68,170 68,501 331 
			 Blackburn B 71,822 72,112 290 
			 Blackley and Broughton B 68,825 69,006 181 
			 Blackpool North and Cleveleys B 66,011 66,187 176 
			 Blackpool South B 63,461 64,081 620 
			 Blaydon B 67,791 68,156 365 
			 Blyth Valley B 64,035 63,173 -862 
			 Bognor Regis and Littlehampton C 71,033 70,535 -498 
			 Bolsover C 73,170 72,162 -1,008 
			 Bolton North East B 66,682 66,600 -82 
			 Bolton South East B 69,077 69,088 11 
			 Bolton West C 71,061 71,454 393 
			 Bootle B 71,995 70,824 -1,171 
			 Boston and Skegness C 70,973 70,620 -353 
			 Bosworth C 77,351 77,787 436 
			 Bournemouth East(2) B 71,886 72,961 1,075 
			 Bournemouth West(2) B 70,913 72,714 1,801 
			 Bracknell C 76,947 77,490 543 
			 Bradford East B 64,382 66,718 2,336 
			 Bradford South B 63,532 64,715 1,183 
			 Bradford West B 60,658 63,425 2,767 
			 Braintree C 70,956 72,064 1,108 
			 Brent Central B 72,671 73,385 714 
			 Brent North B 81,811 82,648 837 
			 Brentford and Isleworth B 82,569 83,332 763 
			 Brentwood and Ongar C 70,362 71,041 679 
			 Bridgwater and West Somerset C 81,874 82,936 1,062 
			 Brigg and Goole C 66,821 66,734 -87 
			 Brighton Kemptown B 65,057 66,557 1,500 
			 Brighton Pavilion B 72,234 73,430 1,196 
			 Bristol East B 68,999 69,347 348 
		
	
	
		
			 Bristol North West B 73,104 73,920 816 
			 Bristol South B 78,148 78,703 555 
			 Bristol West B 79,633 82,503 2,870 
			 Broadland C 71,982 73,066 1,084 
			 Bromley and Chislehurst B 65,210 65,508 298 
			 Bromsgrove(3) C 73,430 73,279 -151 
			 Broxbourne B 71,224 71,872 648 
			 Broxtowe C 71,440 71,961 521 
			 Buckingham C 75,076 75,837 761 
			 Burnley B 66,876 67,003 127 
			 Burton C 75,081 75,302 221 
			 Bury North B 67,421 67,911 490 
			 Bury South B 74,313 75,140 827 
			 Bury St Edmunds C 84,588 85,933 1,345 
			 Calder Valley C 77,069 76,041 -1,028 
			 Camberwell and Peckham B 76,967 78,605 1,638 
			 Camborne and Redruth C 63,694 64,798 1,104 
			 Cambridge B 75,612 75,259 -353 
			 Cannock Chase C 74,828 75,680 852 
			 Canterbury C 73,637 73,779 142 
			 Carlisle C 65,621 66,322 701 
			 Carshalton and Wallington B 66,634 67,044 410 
			 Castle Point B 67,689 64,562 -3,127 
			 Central Devon C 71,089 71,563 474 
			 Central Suffolk and North Ipswich C 76,137 76,177 40 
			 Charnwood C 74,734 75,454 720 
			 Chatham and Aylesford C 67,829 68,437 608 
			 Cheadle B 71,927 71,797 -130 
			 Chelmsford B 77,607 77,835 228 
			 Chelsea and Fulham B 63,707 62,958 -749 
			 Cheltenham B 78,469 77,937 -532 
			 Chesham and Amersham C 70,021 70,723 702 
			 Chesterfield B 72,077 72,866 789 
			 Chichester C 81,182 81,804 622 
			 Chingford and Woodford Green C 64,804 64,770 -34 
			 Chippenham C 71,870 73,312 1,442 
			 Chipping Barnet B 73,995 76,455 2,460 
			 Chorley C 71,204 71,333 129 
			 Christchurch C 68,683 69,008 325 
			 Cities of London and Westminster B 64,044 65,140 1,096 
			 City of Chester C 68,899 68,280 -619 
			 City of Durham C 67,642 72,659 5,017 
			 Clacton C 67,216 67,447 231 
			 Cleethorpes C 70,722 70,895 173 
			 Colchester B 73,501 73,638 137 
			 Colne Valley C 79,925 80,791 866 
			 Congleton C 74,806 73,820 -986 
			 Copeland C 63,688 63,696 8 
			 Corby C 78,275 79,468 1,193 
			 Coventry North East B 72,490 74,870 2,380 
			 Coventry North West B 73,030 74,180 1,150 
			 Coventry South B 73,346 75,705 2,359 
			 Crawley B 72,024 71,793 -231 
			 Crewe and Nantwich C 78,469 78,845 376 
		
	
	
		
			 Croydon Central B 75,646 76,980 1,334 
			 Croydon North B 83,121 85,107 1,986 
			 Croydon South B 80,780 81,554 774 
			 Dagenham and Rainham B 69,599 70,187 588 
			 Darlington B 68,508 67,476 -1,032 
			 Dartford C 75,085 74,756 -329 
			 Daventry C 71,636 71,903 267 
			 Denton and Reddish B 64,839 65,684 845 
			 Derby North B 71,370 72,617 1,247 
			 Derby South B 71,110 72,048 938 
			 Derbyshire Dales C 63,972 63,732 -240 
			 Devizes C 66,972 68,846 1,874 
			 Dewsbury C 78,610 79,634 1,024 
			 Don Valley C 72,880 73,674 794 
			 Doncaster Central B 73,189 73,874 685 
			 Doncaster North C 72,040 72,855 815 
			 Dover C 71,535 71,993 458 
			 Dudley North B 60,977 61,714 737 
			 Dudley South B 60,887 61,308 421 
			 Dulwich and West Norwood B 70,786 71,523 737 
			 Ealing Central and Acton B 69,149 69,828 679 
			 Ealing North B 72,876 73,105 229 
			 Ealing Southall B 64,253 65,768 1,515 
			 Easington C 63,387 65,618 2,231 
			 East Devon C 72,717 72,406 -311 
			 East Ham B 87,809 91,531 3,722 
			 East Hampshire C 71,779 72,648 869 
			 East Surrey C 76,847 77,145 298 
			 East Worthing and Shoreham C 72,524 72,996 472 
			 East Yorkshire C 80,513 80,435 -78 
			 Eastbourne B 77,272 76,978 -294 
			 Eastleigh B 77,320 78,313 993 
			 Eddisbury C 67,296 65,914 -1,382 
			 Edmonton B 63,457 64,356 899 
			 Ellesmere Port and Neston C 65,739 66,995 1,256 
			 Elmet and Rothwell C 77,858 77,994 136 
			 Eltham B 62,005 63,059 1,054 
			 Enfield North B 66,638 66,761 123 
			 Enfield Southgate B 63,890 64,932 1,042 
			 Epping Forest C 72,006 72,212 206 
			 Epsom and Ewell B 76,052 76,916 864 
			 Erewash C 69,599 70,022 423 
			 Erith and Thamesmead B 69,010 69,718 708 
			 Esher and Walton B 75,716 76,962 1,246 
			 Exeter B 75,936 76,796 860 
			 Fareham C 75,829 76,457 628 
			 Faversham and Mid Kent C 69,075 68,521 -554 
			 Feltham and Heston B 80,783 80,437 -346 
			 Filton and Bradley Stoke C 68,763 69,732 969 
			 Finchley and Golders Green B 69,862 71,595 1,733 
			 Folkestone and Hythe C 77,573 84,156 6,583 
			 Forest of Dean C 68,839 68,703 -136 
			 Fylde C 65,933 66,504 571 
			 Gainsborough C 72,833 73,795 962 
		
	
	
		
			 Garston and Halewood B 71,346 71,618 272 
			 Gateshead B 66,250 66,066 -184 
			 Gedling(3) C 70,989 70,886 -103 
			 Gillingham and Rainham B 71,302 71,109 -193 
			 Gloucester B 79,972 80,788 816 
			 Gosport B 72,880 72,845 -35 
			 Grantham and Stamford C 77,694 79,118 1,424 
			 Gravesham C 69,898 70,412 514 
			 Great Grimsby B 61,653 61,929 276 
			 Great Yarmouth C 70,196 70,526 330 
			 Greenwich and Woolwich B 62,950 66,982 4,032 
			 Guildford C 76,836 77,517 681 
			 Hackney North and Stoke Newington B 72,355 74,780 2,425 
			 Hackney South and Shoreditch B 71,245 73,778 2,533 
			 Halesowen and Rowley Regis B 67,358 67,656 298 
			 Halifax B 70,622 69,126 -1,496 
			 Haltemprice and Howden C 70,574 70,864 290 
			 Halton(2) C 69,461 70,322 861 
			 Hammersmith B 69,774 70,008 234 
			 Hampstead and Kilburn B 77,254 78,552 1,298 
			 Harborough C 78,125 78,753 628 
			 Harlow C 67,425 67,700 275 
			 Harrogate and Knaresborough C 74,560 75,044 484 
			 Harrow East B 71,533 72,537 1,004 
			 Harrow West B 68,264 69,135 871 
			 Hartlepool B 69,284 70,010 726 
			 Harwich and North Essex C 70,681 71,087 406 
			 Hastings and Rye C 77,022 76,422 -600 
			 Havant B 70,004 70,568 564 
			 Hayes and Harlington B 69,811 70,589 778 
			 Hazel Grove C 62,665 62,422 -243 
			 Hemel Hempstead C 72,682 72,561 -121 
			 Hemsworth C 73,195 73,487 292 
			 Hendon B 72,102 74,329 2,227 
			 Henley C 73,538 73,851 313 
			 Hereford and South Herefordshire C 72,245 71,352 -893 
			 Hertford and Stortford C 78,211 79,255 1,044 
			 Hertsmere C 69,438 70,772 1,334 
			 Hexham C 61,085 60,499 -586 
			 Heywood and Middleton C 79,031 79,636 605 
			 High Peak C 71,685 72,178 493 
			 Hitchin and Harpenden C 73,811 74,189 378 
			 Holborn and St Pancras B 84,266 85,243 977 
			 Hornchurch and Upminster B 78,913 79,568 655 
			 Hornsey and Wood Green B 78,505 79,878 1,373 
			 Horsham C 76,224 77,001 777 
			 Houghton and Sunderland South B 69,190 70,115 925 
		
	
	
		
			 Hove B 70,598 71,181 583 
			 Huddersfield B 66,206 66,681 475 
			 Huntingdon C 83,376 79,134 -4,242 
			 Hyndburn B 66,924 69,617 2,693 
			 Ilford North B 72,281 72,702 421 
			 Ilford South B 84,599 86,401 1,802 
			 Ipswich B 76,530 75,195 -1,335 
			 Isle of Wight C 110,228 110,924 696 
			 Islington North B 66,472 68,777 2,305 
			 Islington South and Finsbury B 66,184 67,613 1,429 
			 Jarrow B 64,826 65,047 221 
			 Keighley C 65,282 66,971 1,689 
			 Kenilworth and Southam C 63,931 63,772 -159 
			 Kensington B 63,134 62,784 -350 
			 Kettering C 68,786 69,610 824 
			 Kingston and Surbiton B 80,229 80,639 410 
			 Kingston upon Hull East B 68,024 68,150 126 
			 Kingston upon Hull North B 63,473 65,219 1,746 
			 Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle B 60,947 61,232 285 
			 Kingswood B 66,418 67,199 781 
			 Knowsley B 79,271 79,334 63 
			 Lancaster and Fleetwood C 66,260 67,305 1,045 
			 Leeds Central B 79,696 80,912 1,216 
			 Leeds East B 64,479 64,742 263 
			 Leeds North East B 67,489 68,269 780 
			 Leeds North West B 64,822 65,047 225 
			 Leeds West B 67,243 67,222 -21 
			 Leicester East B 73,320 74,377 1,057 
			 Leicester South B 77,156 78,433 1,277 
			 Leicester West B 65,058 65,432 374 
			 Leigh C 75,330 77,001 1,671 
			 Lewes C 68,125 68,515 390 
			 Lewisham East B 64,937 65,508 571 
			 Lewisham West and Penge B 68,352 69,399 1,047 
			 Lewisham Deptford B 64,809 67,590 2,781 
			 Leyton and Wanstead C 62,102 63,021 919 
			 Lichfield C 72,504 73,085 581 
			 Lincoln B 72,839 72,662 -177 
			 Liverpool Riverside B 73,310 73,406 96 
			 Liverpool Walton B 62,746 61,974 -772 
			 Liverpool Wavertree B 62,112 61,679 -433 
			 Liverpool West Derby B 63,130 62,709 -421 
			 Loughborough C 77,464 77,884 420 
			 Louth and Horncastle C 77,210 76,233 -977 
			 Ludlow C 66,285 66,199 -86 
			 Luton North B 65,721 66,273 552 
			 Luton South B 65,184 65,889 705 
			 Macclesfield C 74,595 73,613 -982 
			 Maidenhead(2) C 72,568 74,028 1,460 
			 Maidstone and the Weald C 71,199 70,576 -623 
			 Makerfield C 73,447 74,856 1,409 
			 Maldon C 68,872 69,539 667 
			 Manchester Central B 85,522 89,519 3,997 
		
	
	
		
			 Manchester Gorton B 72,535 74,681 2,146 
			 Manchester Withington B 72,514 73,656 1,142 
			 Mansfield C 80,247 79,849 -398 
			 Meon Valley C 70,306 71,291 985 
			 Meriden C 82,400 83,428 1,028 
			 Mid Bedfordshire C 75,914 76,381 467 
			 Mid Derbyshire C 65,929 66,572 643 
			 Mid Dorset and North Poole C 64,776 64,705 -71 
			 Mid Norfolk C 74,464 75,079 615 
			 Mid Sussex C 75,954 77,044 1,090 
			 Mid Worcestershire C 71,858 71,660 -198 
			 Middlesbrough B 65,726 65,851 125 
			 Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland C 73,123 72,876 -247 
			 Milton Keynes North C 81,991 81,226 -765 
			 Milton Keynes South B 86,901 85,552 -1,349 
			 Mitcham and Morden B 65,390 67,074 1,684 
			 Mole Valley C 72,110 72,568 458 
			 Morecambe and Lunesdale C 68,750 69,254 504 
			 Morley and Outwood C 74,487 75,163 676 
			 New Forest East C 72,955 73,542 587 
			 New Forest West C 68,239 68,987 748 
			 Newark C 71,650 72,407 757 
			 Newbury C 78,468 77,898 -570 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne Central B 60,565 60,795 230 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne East B 64,647 65,203 556 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne North B 67,285 67,401 116 
			 Newcastle-under-Lyme B 68,819 68,692 -127 
			 Newton Abbot C 69,406 69,600 194 
			 Normanton Pontefract and Castleford C 82,834 83,284 450 
			 North Cornwall C 68,055 68,206 151 
			 North Devon C 74,408 75,098 690 
			 North Dorset C 74,031 73,010 -1,021 
			 North Durham C 67,284 68,959 1,675 
			 North East Bedfordshire C 77,191 78,350 1,159 
			 North East Cambridgeshire(2, 3) C 82,787 83,661 874 
			 North East Derbyshire C 71,637 72,374 737 
			 North East Hampshire(2) C 71,580 72,548 968 
			 North East Hertfordshire C 71,993 72,658 665 
			 North East Somerset C 68,024 68,546 522 
			 North Herefordshire C 67,280 66,711 -569 
			 North Norfolk C 67,977 68,277 300 
			 North Shropshire(2) C 78,611 77,673 -938 
			 North Somerset C 77,150 78,223 1,073 
			 North Swindon C 78,583 79,488 905 
			 North Thanet C 68,568 67,110 -1,458 
			 North Tyneside B 78,389 78,617 228 
			 North Warwickshire C 70,415 70,544 129 
		
	
	
		
			 North West Cambridgeshire C 84,255 89,419 5,164 
			 North West Durham C 70,167 72,760 2,593 
			 North West Hampshire C 76,608 77,020 412 
			 North West Leicestershire C 71,108 72,022 914 
			 North West Norfolk C 73,397 73,269 -128 
			 North Wiltshire C 65,762 67,154 1,392 
			 Northampton North B 61,749 62,095 346 
			 Northampton South B 62,852 63,748 896 
			 Norwich North(2) B 64,496 64,982 486 
			 Norwich South B 72,538 73,569 1,031 
			 Nottingham East B 57,353 59,489 2,136 
			 Nottingham North B 63,271 64,578 1,307 
			 Nottingham South B 66,100 69,154 3,054 
			 Nuneaton C 68,117 68,288 171 
			 Old Bexley and Sidcup B 65,379 65,161 -218 
			 Oldham East and Saddleworth C 72,307 72,249 -58 
			 Oldham West and Royton B 72,066 72,402 336 
			 Orpington B 67,765 68,221 456 
			 Oxford East B 80,113 81,644 1,531 
			 Oxford West and Abingdon(2, 3) C 77,826 77,811 -15 
			 Pendle B 66,461 66,735 274 
			 Penistone and Stocksbridge C 68,628 69,133 505 
			 Penrith and The Border C 65,041 65,234 193 
			 Peterborough B 69,732 72,787 3,055 
			 Plymouth Moor View B 67,501 68,556 1,055 
			 Plymouth Sutton and Devonport B 69,474 71,236 1,762 
			 Poole B 72,314 72,773 459 
			 Poplar and Limehouse B 70,880 74,919 4,039 
			 Portsmouth North B 70,464 71,798 1,334 
			 Portsmouth South B 69,456 71,947 2,491 
			 Preston B 60,538 61,025 487 
			 Pudsey B 69,207 69,738 531 
			 Putney B 62,223 62,153 -70 
			 Rayleigh and Wickford C 75,694 76,089 395 
			 Reading East(2) B 74,855 78,170 3,315 
			 Reading West(2) C 71,584 73,216 1,632 
			 Redcar B 67,405 67,195 -210 
			 Redditch C 66,977 66,492 -485 
			 Reigate B 71,233 72,043 810 
			 Ribble Valley C 77,282 77,437 155 
			 Richmond (Yorks) C 81,314 78,902 -2,412 
			 Richmond Park B 75,495 76,650 1,155 
			 Rochdale C 77,471 77,699 228 
			 Rochester and Strood C 74,269 75,001 732 
			 Rochford and Southend East C 71,582 71,131 -451 
			 Romford B 71,306 71,978 672 
			 Romsey and Southampton North C 67,397 67,696 299 
			 Rossendale and Darwen B 73,092 73,443 351 
			 Rother Valley C 72,168 73,068 900 
		
	
	
		
			 Rotherham B 62,977 63,131 154 
			 Rugby C 68,759 69,932 1,173 
			 Ruislip Northwood and Pinner B 70,979 71,706 727 
			 Runnymede and Weybridge C 72,455 73,680 1,225 
			 Rushcliffe C 72,774 73,430 656 
			 Rutland and Melton C 77,096 77,324 228 
			 Saffron Walden C 75,871 77,109 1,238 
			 Salford and Eccles B 74,817 76,863 2,046 
			 Salisbury C 67,080 68,731 1,651 
			 Scarborough and Whitby C 76,032 76,078 46 
			 Scunthorpe C 63,427 63,489 62 
			 Sedgefield C 65,746 67,386 1,640 
			 Sefton Central C 67,766 67,696 -70 
			 Selby and Ainsty C 72,532 73,580 1,048 
			 Sevenoaks C 70,079 69,925 -154 
			 Sheffield Central B 65,515 69,975 4,460 
			 Sheffield South East B 67,559 67,792 233 
			 Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough B 68,194 69,206 1,012 
			 Sheffield Hallam C 68,863 70,032 1,169 
			 Sheffield Heeley B 65,904 66,432 528 
			 Sherwood(3) C 71,671 72,111 440 
			 Shipley C 67,484 68,125 641 
			 Shrewsbury and Atcham(2) C 75,076 73,978 -1,098 
			 Sittingbourne and Sheppey C 75,509 74,796 -713 
			 Skipton and Ripon C 76,654 77,098 444 
			 Sleaford and North Hykeham C 84,627 85,561 934 
			 Slough B 78,477 81,327 2,850 
			 Solihull B 76,638 77,354 716 
			 Somerton and Frome C 81,566 82,150 584 
			 South Basildon and East Thurrock C 71,947 71,819 -128 
			 South Cambridgeshire C 78,612 80,001 1,389 
			 South Derbyshire C 70,443 71,326 883 
			 South Dorset C 73,168 73,499 331 
			 South East Cambridgeshire(2, 3) C 81,144 82,265 1,121 
			 South East Cornwall C 71,900 71,851 -49 
			 South Holland and the Deepings C 76,529 76,939 410 
			 South Leicestershire C 77,031 77,412 381 
			 South Norfolk C 76,010 77,317 1,307 
			 South Northamptonshire C 82,052 82,956 904 
			 South Ribble C 75,039 75,116 77 
			 South Shields B 63,841 63,765 -76 
			 South Staffordshire C 73,630 74,189 559 
			 South Suffolk C 72,641 72,965 324 
			 South Swindon C 72,803 73,449 646 
			 South Thanet C 70,367 67,970 -2,397 
			 South West Bedfordshire C 76,111 76,178 67 
			 South West Devon C 70,414 70,756 342 
			 South West Hertfordshire C 78,044 78,269 225 
			 South West Norfolk C 74,186 75,034 848 
			 South West Surrey C 76,719 76,495 -224 
		
	
	
		
			 South West Wiltshire C 71,452 72,820 1,368 
			 Southampton Itchen B 74,720 74,513 -207 
			 Southampton Test B 71,712 71,263 -449 
			 Southend West B 66,965 66,780 -185 
			 Southport B 67,761 67,803 42 
			 Spelthorne B 70,962 71,211 249 
			 St Albans C 69,836 70,298 462 
			 St Austell and Newquay C 75,721 75,974 253 
			 St Helens North B 75,866 75,688 -178 
			 St Helens South and Whiston B 78,705 78,612 -93 
			 St Ives C 66,430 66,696 266 
			 Stafford C 70,512 69,832 -680 
			 Staffordshire Moorlands C 62,377 62,457 80 
			 Stalybridge and Hyde C 69,058 70,691 1,633 
			 Stevenage C 67,948 69,357 1,409 
			 Stockport B 62,950 62,764 -186 
			 Stockton North B 66,990 67,333 343 
			 Stockton South B 73,924 74,521 597 
			 Stoke-on-Trent Central B 61,083 61,774 691 
			 Stoke-on-Trent North B 72,245 72,225 -20 
			 Stoke-on-Trent South B 68,301 68,624 323 
			 Stone C 66,865 66,729 -136 
			 Stourbridge B 69,855 70,225 370 
			 Stratford-on-Avon C 69,366 69,108 -258 
			 Streatham B 71,902 71,913 11 
			 Stretford and Urmston B 70,056 70,520 464 
			 Stroud C 78,252 79,135 883 
			 Suffolk Coastal C 77,142 76,932 -210 
			 Sunderland Central B 74,668 76,292 1,624 
			 Surrey Heath C 77,342 78,453 1,111 
			 Sutton and Cheam B 66,250 66,571 321 
			 Sutton Coldfield B 74,877 75,031 154 
			 Tamworth C 71,967 72,544 577 
			 Tatton C 66,236 65,200 -1,036 
			 Taunton Deane C 82,281 82,882 601 
			 Telford B 65,363 65,938 575 
			 Tewkesbury C 76,406 77,206 800 
			 The Cotswolds C 77,147 78,439 1,292 
			 The Wrekin(2) C 65,477 66,111 634 
			 Thirsk and Malton C 76,833 77,230 397 
			 Thornbury and Yate C 64,087 64,736 649 
			 Thurrock B 77,723 77,667 -56 
			 Tiverton and Honiton C 76,754 75,839 -915 
			 Tonbridge and Malling C 71,009 71,989 980 
			 Tooting B 71,993 72,707 714 
			 Torbay B 76,253 76,219 -34 
			 Torridge and West Devon C 76,574 77,417 843 
			 Totnes C 67,831 67,562 -269 
			 Tottenham B 68,338 70,162 1,824 
			 Truro and Falmouth C 70,366 71,340 974 
			 Tunbridge Wells C 72,364 73,028 664 
			 Twickenham B 78,667 79,172 505 
			 Tynemouth B 76,445 76,618 173 
		
	
	
		
			 Uxbridge and South Ruislip B 71,059 71,954 895 
			 Vauxhall B 71,781 73,274 1,493 
			 Wakefield C 71,111 71,531 420 
			 Wallasey B 66,068 65,732 -336 
			 Walsall North B 64,984 65,468 484 
			 Walsall South B 64,710 66,082 1,372 
			 Walthamstow C 64,293 64,482 189 
			 Wansbeck C 62,882 62,395 -487 
			 Wantage(2, 3) C 78,777 79,775 998 
			 Warley B 63,232 63,024 -208 
			 Warrington North B 70,953 71,836 883 
			 Warrington South B 79,633 81,212 1,579 
			 Warwick and Leamington B 67,030 66,278 -752 
			 Washington and Sunderland West B 69,305 70,177 872 
			 Watford B 80,013 80,939 926 
			 Waveney C 79,035 79,132 97 
			 Wealden C 76,724 77,536 812 
			 Weaver Vale(2) C 66,859 66,008 -851 
			 Wellingborough C 76,797 76,848 51 
			 Wells C 79,116 79,989 873 
			 Welwyn Hatfield C 71,731 71,766 35 
			 Wentworth and Dearne C 72,014 72,272 258 
			 West Bromwich East B 63,218 63,008 -210 
			 West Bromwich West B 65,472 65,249 -223 
			 West Dorset C 76,877 76,779 -98 
			 West Ham B 83,572 86,400 2,828 
			 West Lancashire C 72,347 73,028 681 
			 West Suffolk C 74,161 76,158 1,997 
			 West Worcestershire C 72,688 73,001 313 
			 Westminster North B 64,459 65,936 1,477 
			 Westmorland and Lonsdale C 67,027 66,609 -418 
			 Weston-Super-Mare C 78,516 78,778 262 
			 Wigan C 75,035 76,779 1,744 
			 Wimbledon B 64,933 65,936 1,003 
			 Winchester C 73,339 74,138 799 
			 Windsor(2) C 68,901 70,633 1,732 
			 Wirral South C 56,200 56,238 38 
			 Wirral West C 55,152 55,077 -75 
			 Witham C 66,887 67,451 564 
			 Witney(3) C 78,141 78,220 79 
			 Woking C 73,064 74,328 1,264 
			 Wokingham C 76,378 75,886 -492 
			 Wolverhampton North East B 59,130 60,354 1,224 
			 Wolverhampton South East B 60,290 61,751 1,461 
			 Wolverhampton South West B 58,431 59,846 1,415 
			 Worcester B 72,965 73,960 995 
			 Workington C 59,702 59,361 -341 
			 Worsley and Eccles South C 73,019 73,409 390 
			 Worthing West B 73,784 74,468 684 
			 Wycombe C 73,306 73,750 444 
			 Wyre and Preston North C 71,572 71,612 40 
			 Wyre Forest C 76,774 77,800 1,026 
			 Wythenshawe and Sale East B 75,096 75,602 506 
		
	
	
		
			 Yeovil C 82,767 82,771 4 
			 York Central B 74,013 75,656 1,643 
			 York Outer C 74,797 75,125 328 
			      
			 Wales  2,261,269 2,281,596 20,327 
			 Aberavon C 51,318 51,034 -284 
			 Aberconwy C 44,587 44,962 375 
			 Alyn and Deeside C 60,957 61,485 528 
			 Arfon C 40,889 40,707 -182 
			 Blaenau Gwent C 52,971 53,517 546 
			 Brecon and Radnorshire C 53,642 53,633 -9 
			 Bridgend C 58,948 58,936 -12 
			 Caerphilly C 61,873 61,633 -240 
			 Cardiff Central B 60,429 62,218 1,789 
			 Cardiff North B 65,307 66,290 983 
			 Cardiff South and Penarth B 73,405 73,690 285 
			 Cardiff West B 62,530 63,360 830 
			 Carmarthen East and Dinefwr C 52,433 54,285 1,852 
			 Carmarthen W and S Pembrokeshire C 58,302 58,504 202 
			 Ceredigion C 58,683 56,006 -2,677 
			 Clwyd South C 53,855 54,243 388 
			 Clwyd West C 57,934 58,215 281 
			 Cynon Valley C 50,747 52,216 1,469 
			 Delyn C 53,577 53,906 329 
			 Dwyfor Meirionnydd C 45,508 44,796 -712 
			 Gower(4) C 61,899 62,148 249 
			 Islwyn C 54,654 54,611 -43 
			 Llanelli C 55,841 58,447 2,606 
			 Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney C 52,315 54,757 2,442 
			 Monmouth C 64,638 65,101 463 
			 Montgomeryshire C 48,777 48,563 -214 
			 Neath C 57,700 57,618 -82 
			 Newport East C 54,140 54,826 686 
			 Newport West C 61,314 62,465 1,151 
			 Ogmore C 55,895 55,699 -196 
			 Pontypridd C 58,121 60,016 1,895 
			 Preseli Pembrokeshire C 56,443 57,966 1,523 
			 Rhondda C 51,706 52,765 1,059 
			 Swansea East(4) B 59,865 60,554 689 
			 Swansea West(4) B 61,005 62,152 1,147 
			 Torfaen C 61,616 61,644 28 
			 Vale of Clwyd C 55,968 56,264 296 
			 Vale of Glamorgan C 70,428 71,171 743 
			 Wrexham C 50,849 51,669 820 
			 Ynys Mon C 50,200 49,524 -676 
			      
			 Scotland  3,869,700 3,928,979 59,279 
			 Aberdeen North B 64,646 64,753 107 
			 Aberdeen South B 63,684 64,330 646 
			 Airdrie and Shotts C 62,647 62,789 142 
			 Angus C 63,181 64,178 997 
			 Argyll and Bute C 67,461 67,692 231 
			 Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock C 73,796 73,708 -88 
			 Banff and Buchan C 64,701 65,183 482 
		
	
	
		
			 Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk C 74,157 74,115 -42 
			 Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross C 47,263 47,572 309 
			 Central Ayrshire C 68,808 69,243 435 
			 Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill B 70,473 70,537 64 
			 Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East C 64,331 64,337 6 
			 Dumfries and Galloway C 74,847 74,414 -433 
			 Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale C 66,811 67,066 255 
			 Dundee East B 65,064 65,702 638 
			 Dundee West B 62,209 63,065 856 
			 Dunfermline and West Fife C 74,702 74,621 -81 
			 East Dunbartonshire C 63,948 64,186 238 
			 East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow C 77,262 77,985 723 
			 East Lothian C 73,454 74,320 866 
			 East Renfrewshire C 66,202 68,117 1,915 
			 Edinburgh East B 60,167 60,594 427 
			 Edinburgh North and Leith B 67,770 69,580 1,810 
			 Edinburgh South B 58,811 59,285 474 
			 Edinburgh South West B 66,114 66,262 148 
			 Edinburgh West B 65,337 65,526 189 
			 Falkirk C 82,667 82,473 -194 
			 Glasgow Central B 58,043 67,521 9,478 
			 Glasgow East B 61,994 66,482 4,488 
			 Glasgow North B 50,588 54,620 4,032 
			 Glasgow North East B 59,969 64,171 4,202 
			 Glasgow North West B 60,465 64,522 4,057 
			 Glasgow South B 64,921 69,122 4,201 
			 Glasgow South West B 58,166 62,378 4,212 
			 Glenrothes C 68,821 68,393 -428 
			 Gordon C 73,364 74,394 1,030 
			 Inverclyde C 58,971 61,038 2,067 
			 Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey C 72,390 72,764 374 
			 Kilmarnock and Loudoun C 74,736 75,001 265 
			 Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath C 74,572 74,247 -325 
			 Lanark and Hamilton East C 75,318 76,190 872 
			 Linlithgow and East Falkirk C 81,064 81,756 692 
			 Livingston C 76,133 76,580 447 
			 Midlothian C 61,461 61,986 525 
			 Moray C 66,169 66,726 557 
			 Motherwell and Wishaw B 67,416 66,949 -467 
			 Na h-Eileanan an Iar C 21,908 21,837 -71 
			 North Ayrshire and Arran C 74,612 75,204 592 
			 North East Fife C 63,688 63,349 -339 
		
	
	
		
			 Ochil and South Perthshire C 75,576 75,848 272 
			 Orkney and Shetland C 33,290 33,755 465 
			 Paisley and Renfrewshire North C 63,846 65,847 2,001 
			 Paisley and Renfrewshire South C 61,310 63,268 1,958 
			 Perth and North Perthshire C 72,523 73,064 541 
			 Ross, Skye and Lochaber C 51,934 52,064 130 
			 Rutherglen and Hamilton West B 76,881 77,729 848 
			 Stirling C 66,218 66,743 525 
			 West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine C 66,198 67,060 862 
			 West Dunbartonshire C 66,642 66,738 96 
			      
			 Northern Ireland  1,160,757 1,190,635 29,878 
			 Belfast East B 58,104 60,050 1,946 
			 Belfast North B 64,572 66,825 2,253 
			 Belfast South B 58,644 60,726 2,082 
			 Belfast West B 59,083 60,520 1,437 
			 East Antrim C 59,974 61,253 1,279 
			 East Londonderry C 63,140 64,546 1,406 
			 Fermanagh and South Tyrone C 67,603 68,979 1,376 
			 Foyle C 65,129 67,810 2,681 
			 Lagan Valley C 64,841 66,327 1,486 
			 Mid Ulster C 63,887 65,655 1,768 
			 Newry and Armagh C 74,364 75,856 1,492 
			 North Antrim C 72,834 74,094 1,260 
			 North Down C 60,098 61,615 1,517 
			 South Antrim C 62,577 64,254 1,677 
			 South Down C 70,408 72,092 1,684 
			 Strangford C 60,037 61,566 1,529 
			 Upper Bann C 74,727 76,209 1,482 
			 West Tyrone C 60,735 62,258 1,523 
			 Note: C = county constituency B = borough constituency. (1) The constituencies for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland are the ‘new’ constituencies that came into effect at the last UK general election. The ‘new’ constituencies were used for the 2006 National Assembly for Wales elections. (2) The Boundary Commission for England has compiled these figures with data supplied from local authorities on total electors and attainers within wards, for 1 December 2009. (Some constituencies cover more than one local authority). (3) The Boundary Commission for England has made corrections to data supplied by local authorities on total electors and attainers within parliamentary constituencies, for 1 December 2009. (Some constituencies cover more than one local authority). (4) At the time of publication, figures for Swansea local authority, for 1 December 2009 were not available. Therefore figures for 1 December 2008 are shown. Sources: Office for National Statistics General Register Office for Scotland Electoral Office for Northern Ireland.

Married People

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proportion of adults in each local authority area were identified as married in the latest period for which figures are available.

Nick Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply to the hon. Member. A copy of their response will be placed in the Library.
	Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated May 2011
	As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what proportion of adults in each local authority area were identified as married in the latest period for which figures are available. (56793)
	The Annual Population Survey provides the best estimates of adults living in households who are married by local authority. The most recent statistics available are for 2009. Table 1 shows the proportion of adults in each local authority area who were married. In this instance an adult is considered to be aged 16 or over as this is the age at which it is legal to get married. Because the proportions come from a survey, they are subject to a margin of error.
	
		
			 Table 1: Percentage of those aged 16 or over who are married by local authority, UK, 2009 
			 Local authority Percentage 
			 City of London — 
			 Barking and Dagenham 47 
			 Barnet 48 
			 Bexley 54 
			 Brent 50 
			 Bromley 53 
			 Camden 37 
			 Croydon 46 
			 Ealing 45 
			 Enfield 49 
			 Greenwich 49 
			 Hackney 36 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 39 
			 Haringey 40 
			 Harrow 54 
			 Havering 51 
			 Hillingdon 50 
			 Hounslow 52 
			 Islington 32 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 44 
			 Kingston upon Thames 47 
			 Lambeth 31 
			 Lewisham 37 
			 Merton 51 
			 Newham 43 
			 Redbridge 56 
			 Richmond upon Thames 53 
			 Southwark 38 
			 Sutton 53 
			 Tower Hamlets 38 
			 Waltham Forest 42 
			 Wandsworth 33 
			 Westminster 40 
			 Bolton 50 
			 Bury 53 
			 Manchester 36 
			 Oldham 53 
			 Rochdale 52 
			 Salford 41 
			 Stockport 53 
			 Tameside 51 
			 Trafford 53 
			 Wigan 53 
			 Knowsley 44 
			 Liverpool 40 
			 St Helens 55 
		
	
	
		
			 Sefton 50 
			 Wirral 50 
			 Barnsley 51 
			 Doncaster 53 
			 Rotherham 54 
			 Sheffield 47 
			 Gateshead 47 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 43 
			 North Tyneside 52 
			 South Tyneside 50 
			 Sunderland 49 
			 Birmingham 49 
			 Coventry 49 
			 Dudley 54 
			 Sandwell 48 
			 Solihull 58 
			 Walsall 52 
			 Wolverhampton 48 
			 Bradford 55 
			 Calderdale 52 
			 Kirklees 59 
			 Leeds 43 
			 Wakefield 50 
			 Hartlepool 48 
			 Middlesbrough 47 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 54 
			 Stockton-on-Tees 52 
			 Darlington 54 
			 Halton 50 
			 Warrington 55 
			 Blackburn with Darwen 54 
			 Blackpool 44 
			 Kingston upon Hull, City of 44 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 59 
			 North East Lincolnshire 50 
			 North Lincolnshire 57 
			 York 51 
			 Derby 52 
			 Leicester 49 
			 Rutland 60 
			 Nottingham 38 
			 Herefordshire, County of 57 
			 Telford and Wrekin 55 
			 Stoke-on-Trent 52 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 49 
			 Bristol, City of 41 
			 North Somerset 58 
			 South Gloucestershire 59 
			 Plymouth 47 
			 Torbay 52 
			 Bournemouth 44 
			 Poole 54 
			 Swindon 53 
			 Peterborough 52 
			 Luton 52 
			 Southend-on-Sea 51 
			 Thurrock 56 
			 Medway 55 
			 Bracknell Forest 58 
			 West Berkshire 60 
			 Reading 51 
			 Slough 54 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 56 
			 Wokingham 63 
		
	
	
		
			 Milton Keynes 55 
			 Brighton and Hove 36 
			 Portsmouth 45 
			 Southampton 44 
			 Isle of Wight 54 
			 Mid Bedfordshire 55 
			 Bedford 54 
			 South Bedfordshire 58 
			 Aylesbury Vale 58 
			 Chiltern 60 
			 South Bucks 60 
			 Wycombe 58 
			 Cambridge 43 
			 East Cambridgeshire 61 
			 Fenland 53 
			 Huntingdonshire 58 
			 South Cambridgeshire 58 
			 Chester 54 
			 Congleton 61 
			 Crewe and Nantwich 57 
			 Ellesmere Port and Neston 56 
			 Macclesfield 61 
			 Vale Royal 58 
			 Caradon 65 
			 Carrick 54 
			 Kerrier 61 
			 North Cornwall 65 
			 Penwith 45 
			 Restormel 58 
			 Allerdale 66 
			 Barrow-in-Furness 49 
			 Carlisle 54 
			 Copeland 59 
			 Eden 69 
			 South Lakeland 59 
			 Amber Valley 55 
			 Bolsover 59 
			 Chesterfield 54 
			 Derbyshire Dales 65 
			 Erewash 57 
			 High Peak 57 
			 North East Derbyshire 55 
			 South Derbyshire 58 
			 East Devon 62 
			 Exeter 45 
			 Mid Devon 61 
			 North Devon 60 
			 South Hams 59 
			 Teignbridge 57 
			 Torridge 59 
			 West Devon 60 
			 Christchurch 55 
			 East Dorset 65 
			 North Dorset 58 
			 Purbeck 52 
			 West Dorset 64 
			 Weymouth and Portland 48 
			 Chester-le-Street 48 
			 Derwentside 57 
			 Durham 51 
			 Easington 49 
			 Sedgefield 52 
			 Teesdale 50 
			 Wear Valley 54 
		
	
	
		
			 Eastbourne 49 
			 Hastings 46 
			 Lewes 58 
			 Rother 57 
			 Wealden 60 
			 Basildon 50 
			 Braintree 53 
			 Brentwood 56 
			 Castle Point 61 
			 Chelmsford 61 
			 Colchester 58 
			 Epping Forest 51 
			 Harlow 45 
			 Maldon 60 
			 Rochford 62 
			 Tendring 57 
			 Uttlesford 61 
			 Cheltenham 44 
			 Cotswold 64 
			 Forest of Dean 61 
			 Gloucester 53 
			 Stroud 59 
			 Tewkesbury 67 
			 Basingstoke and Deane 55 
			 East Hampshire 62 
			 Eastleigh 59 
			 Fareham 62 
			 Gosport 56 
			 Hart 57 
			 Havant 64 
			 New Forest 59 
			 Rushmoor 61 
			 Test Valley 60 
			 Winchester 56 
			 Broxbourne 54 
			 Dacorum 59 
			 East Hertfordshire 56 
			 Hertsmere 59 
			 North Hertfordshire 57 
			 St Albans 59 
			 Stevenage 59 
			 Three Rivers 58 
			 Watford 47 
			 Welwyn Hatfield 54 
			 Ashford 59 
			 Canterbury 51 
			 Dartford 64 
			 Dover 57 
			 Gravesham 49 
			 Maidstone 57 
			 Sevenoaks 58 
			 Shepway 57 
			 Swale 57 
			 Thanet 45 
			 Tonbridge and Malling 61 
			 Tunbridge Wells 55 
			 Burnley 49 
			 Chorley 65 
			 Fylde 52 
			 Hyndburn 52 
			 Lancaster 49 
			 Pendle 54 
		
	
	
		
			 Preston 44 
			 Ribble Valley 67 
			 Rossendale 55 
			 South Ribble 51 
			 West Lancashire 59 
			 Wyre 55 
			 Blaby 59 
			 Charnwood 53 
			 Harborough 56 
			 Hinckley and Bosworth 59 
			 Melton 60 
			 North West Leicestershire 55 
			 Oadby and Wigston 56 
			 Boston 56 
			 East Lindsey 57 
			 Lincoln 41 
			 North Kesteven 60 
			 South Holland 58 
			 South Kesteven 51 
			 West Lindsey 57 
			 Breckland 58 
			 Broadland 60 
			 Great Yarmouth 56 
			 King's Lynn and West Norfolk 59 
			 North Norfolk 60 
			 Norwich 38 
			 South Norfolk 62 
			 Corby 54 
			 Daventry 56 
			 East Northamptonshire 56 
			 Kettering 45 
			 Northampton 47 
			 South Northamptonshire 65 
			 Wellingborough 52 
			 Alnwick 64 
			 Berwick-upon-Tweed 61 
			 Blyth Valley 61 
			 Castle Morpeth 64 
			 Tynedale 55 
			 Wansbeck 52 
			 Craven 57 
			 Hambleton 64 
			 Harrogate 56 
			 Richmondshire 59 
			 Ryedale 63 
			 Scarborough 53 
			 Selby 64 
			 Ashfield 52 
			 Bassetlaw 55 
			 Broxtowe 55 
			 Gedling 55 
			 Mansfield 48 
			 Newark and Sherwood 56 
			 Rushcliffe 56 
			 Cherwell 57 
			 Oxford 43 
			 South Oxfordshire 57 
			 Vale of White Horse 57 
			 West Oxfordshire 60 
			 Bridgnorth 56 
			 North Shropshire 56 
			 Oswestry 51 
		
	
	
		
			 Shrewsbury and Atcham 57 
			 South Shropshire 62 
			 Mendip 55 
			 Sedgemoor 60 
			 South Somerset 56 
			 Taunton Deane 53 
			 West Somerset 60 
			 Cannock Chase 52 
			 East Staffordshire 53 
			 Lichfield 56 
			 Newcastle-under-Lyme 52 
			 South Staffordshire 60 
			 Stafford 55 
			 Staffordshire Moorlands 55 
			 Tamworth 50 
			 Babergh 54 
			 Forest Heath 62 
			 Ipswich 45 
			 Mid Suffolk 65 
			 St Edmundsbury 53 
			 Suffolk Coastal 52 
			 Waveney 52 
			 Elmbridge 66 
			 Epsom and Ewell 57 
			 Guildford 50 
			 Mole Valley 57 
			 Reigate and Banstead 47 
			 Runnymede 46 
			 Spelthorne 53 
			 Surrey Heath 63 
			 Tandridge 56 
			 Waverley 57 
			 Woking 54 
			 North Warwickshire 57 
			 Nuneaton and Bedworth 56 
			 Rugby 63 
			 Stratford-on-Avon 61 
			 Warwick 52 
			 Adur 57 
			 Arun 55 
			 Chichester 59 
			 Crawley 54 
			 Horsham 62 
			 Mid Sussex 57 
			 Worthing 59 
			 Kennet 57 
			 North Wiltshire 60 
			 Salisbury 59 
			 West Wiltshire 63 
			 Bromsgrove 57 
			 Malvern Hills 57 
			 Redditch 57 
			 Worcester 59 
			 Wychavon 66 
			 Wyre Forest 55 
			 Anglesey, Isle of 57 
			 Gwynedd 51 
			 Conwy 57 
			 Denbighshire 53 
			 Flintshire 59 
			 Wrexham 52 
			 Powys 57 
			 Ceredigion 48 
			 Pembrokeshire 55 
		
	
	
		
			 Carmarthenshire 57 
			 Swansea 47 
			 Neath Port Talbot 50 
			 Bridgend 53 
			 Vale of Glamorgan, The 52 
			 Rhondda, Cynon, Taff 50 
			 Merthyr Tydfil 50 
			 Caerphilly 51 
			 Blaenau Gwent 51 
			 Torfaen 52 
			 Monmouthshire 60 
			 Newport 54 
			 Cardiff 44 
			 Aberdeen City 50 
			 Aberdeenshire 63 
			 Angus 58 
			 Argyll & Bute 59 
			 Scot Borders, The 58 
			 Clackmannanshire 54 
			 West Dunbartonshire 49 
			 Dumfries and Galloway 56 
			 Dundee City 48 
			 East Ayrshire 52 
			 East Dunbartonshire 63 
			 East Lothian 59 
			 East Renfrewshire 63 
			 Edinburgh, City of 43 
			 Falkirk 56 
			 Fife 57 
			 Glasgow City 37 
			 Highland 63 
			 Inverclyde 50 
			 Midlothian 58 
			 Moray 58 
			 North Ayrshire 52 
			 North Lanarkshire 51 
			 Orkney Islands 62 
			 Perth and Kinross 62 
			 Renfrewshire 53 
			 Shetland Islands 61 
			 South Ayrshire 57 
			 South Lanarkshire 55 
			 Stirling 56 
			 West Lothian 55 
			 Eilean Siar (Western Isles) 54 
			 Northern Ireland 54 
			 Total 52 
			 Notes: 1. The sample size in the City of London is too small to calculate a meaningful percentage. 2. Data are not available by local authority in Northern Ireland. 3. The percentages include those who are married and separated from their partner. They exclude same sex couples who are in civil partnerships. 4. The Annual Population Survey is made up from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) plus various sample boosts. The APS is a household survey of people in the UK. It includes those resident at private addresses, but does not cover most communal establishments.  Source: Annual Population Survey, ONS

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Political Party Funding

Lindsay Roy: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he expects to bring forward legislative proposals on the funding of political parties.

Mark Harper: The Government are committed to work to reform party funding. The Committee on Standards in Public Life is conducting a review and the Government will consider its recommendations, alongside other relevant evidence, before taking this forward.

Electoral Register

David Evennett: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to increase the completeness and accuracy of the electoral register.

Mark Harper: Maintaining a complete and accurate electoral register is the responsibility of electoral registration officers (EROs). More can be done to support completeness and accuracy. So we have announced plans to speed up the implementation of individual electoral registration in 2014, which will ensure that only those entitled to vote will get on the register. We are also trialling data matching, which will launch in June this year, to help identify people missing from the register. If successful, we will consider rolling this out across the country.

West Lothian Question

Stephen Phillips: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent representations he has received on the West Lothian question.

Mark Harper: I refer the hon. Member to the answer the Deputy Prime Minister gave in response to the question by my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight (Mr Turner), today.

Recall of Members of Parliament

Clive Efford: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he expects to publish his proposals for recall of hon. Members by their constituents.

Mark Harper: The Government are committed to bringing forward legislation to introduce a power to recall Members of Parliament where they have engaged in serious wrongdoing.
	We are currently considering what would be the fairest, most appropriate and robust procedure and we will announce the details of our proposals before the summer recess.

Voting Rights: Prisoners

Priti Patel: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of press release 283(2011) issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights on the enfranchisement of prisoners; whether the Government was (a) consulted and (b) notified in advance of its publication; and what steps he plans to take in response to the comments made.

Mark Harper: The Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights provided an advance copy of the press release to the UK Delegation to the Council of Europe on 29 March 2011.
	We are not responding directly to the press release. However, the Justice Secretary met the Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Hammarberg, at the “High level Conference on the Future of the European Court of Human Rights” which took place in Izmir, Turkey on 26 and 27 April 2011. Throughout the Izmir conference, the Justice Secretary was clear that the Court must focus on truly important cases and have proper regard to the judgment of national parliaments and courts. This approach was endorsed at the conference, where the importance of the principle of subsidiarity was emphasised. An official record of the Izmir Declaration can be found here:
	http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/standardsetting/conferenceizmir/default_en.asp

EDUCATION

Children in Care: Higher Education

Edward Timpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  whether he has had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on financial support for the continuation and extension of the Frank Buttle Trust quality mark for higher and further education institutions;
	(2)  whether his Department has plans to support the continuation and extension of the Frank Buttle Trust quality mark for higher and further education institutions.

John Hayes: I have been asked to reply.
	The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) does not provide direct funding to the Frank Buttle Trust to support the care quality mark in higher education institutions. Many universities, as autonomous institutions, choose to work with the Frank Buttle Trust to gain the care quality mark and they pay an annual fee direct to the Trust.
	The (former) Learning and Skills Council had agreed to make a small contribution to the development project for England, which was exploring extending the quality mark to the further education sector. In recognition of the uncertainty caused by the transition from the Learning and Skills Council to the Skills Funding Agency and the Young People's Learning Agency, the Department also made a small contribution for the remainder of the development project. In return, the Trust was expected to work with the further education sector as it becomes more self-regulating; obtain support for the remainder of the project; and determine the viability of a sector-supported quality mark in the way described for higher education institutions.
	The Department has not made any further commitment to financial support for the Frank Buttle Trust quality mark for further education institutions.
	BIS reviewed awards in the further education system that were supported by public funds, but this quality mark was outside that review, given that no continued support or contribution is given by the Department.

Class Sizes: Middlesbrough

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the average number of pupils per class in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency was (i) in each year from May 2005 to April 2010 and (ii) on the most recent date for which figures are available.

Nick Gibb: The information requested is shown in the table.
	Information on class sizes is collected as part of the School Census in January each year. The classes are recorded as taught during a single selected period on the day of the census.
	The latest available information is for January 2010 and can be accessed at:
	http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000925/index.shtml
	Data for 2011 at national and local authority level are due to be published on 22 June 2011 and will be available as part of the ‘Schools, Pupils and their Characteristics: January 2011’ Statistical First Release at:
	http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001012/index.shtml
	
		
			 Maintained primary and state-funded secondary schools  (1,2)  : classes as taught  (3; )  as at January each year, in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency 
			  Average class size 
			  Primary  (1) State-funded secondary  (1,2) 
			 2005 23.4 22.9 
			 2006 23.8 22.3 
			 2007 24.0 21.2 
			 2008 24.0 21.2 
			 2009 24.1 20.5 
			 2010 24.0 20.1 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Includes city technology colleges and academies. (3) One teacher classes as taught during a single selected period in each school on the day of the census in January. Source: School Census

Classroom Assistants

Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent assessment he has made of the use of higher level teaching assistants in schools; and what discussions he has had with Ofsted about the extent to which inspectors may take into account in assessments the use of higher level teaching assistants in schools.

Nick Gibb: The Department has made no recent assessment of the use of higher level teaching assistants in schools.
	We are committed to refocusing school inspection on four core areas; pupil achievement; teaching; leadership and management; and behaviour and safety. The Department is in regular discussion with Ofsted about this reform programme. The use of higher level teaching assistants will be relevant to the quality and impact of teaching and leadership. There are no plans for this specific issue to be routinely covered as a discrete aspect of the inspection.

Departmental Official Engagements

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the official engagements of the Minister of State for Children and Families were on 27 April 2011.

Sarah Teather: None.

Departmental Research

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which longitudinal studies monitoring the physical health and emotional well-being of children his Department has and its predecessors have undertaken in each of the last five years; when each such study commenced; what each was monitoring; what the budget of each was in each year; what plans there were for the future of each such study; and what their budgets have been to date.

Nick Gibb: In the last five years the Department for Education and its predecessors have invested in six longitudinal studies that collect information about children’s physical health and mental well-being. These are:
	The Longitudinal Study of Young People in England
	The Longitudinal Study of Young People in England is a study which followed an initial cohort of 15,500 young people. Interviews were conducted annually from 2004 (when the respondents were academic age 13) to 2010 (when they were aged 19). This study was designed to enhance understanding of the transitions made by young people from the latter part of compulsory education into early adulthood. It collected a wide range of information pertaining to those issues, including data on outcomes and achievements, education, employment and benefits, relationships and behaviours, volunteering and life satisfaction.
	Questions about emotional well-being were asked when respondents were aged 14, 16 and 19. The questions were adapted from tried and tested questions from existing surveys and do not include objective measures of physical health. A single self-reported assessment of health was obtained when respondents were aged 15 and 16.
	The total budget for the study was £10,858,992 (from DfE and Treasury sources, with contributions from Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and Department for Work and Pensions). The financial year breakdown was as follows:
	
		
			  Budget   (£) 
			 2003-04 394,777 
			 2004-05 2,841,133 
			 2005-06 1,979,289 
			 2006-07 1,852,496 
			 2007-08 1,569,700 
			 2008-09 956,486 
			 2009-10 771,105 
			 2010-11 494,006 
			 Total 10,858,992 
		
	
	DfE have no plans to conduct further interviews of this cohort and no decisions have been made to date about future cohort studies of young people.
	The National Evaluation of Sure Start Impact Study
	Development of the National Evaluation of Sure Start (NESS) Impact Study commenced in 2000 and fieldwork started in 2003. The objective of the study is to assess the effects of the earliest Sure Start Local Programmes on child development and family functioning. This is achieved by comparing the families interviewed in this study with a comparable set of families interviewed as part of the Millennium Cohort Study who have not experienced Sure Start Local Programmes.
	The NESS Impact Study has followed an initial cohort of over 12,500 children and families living in the original Sure Start Local Programme areas. The children and families were interviewed about a range of physical health and well-being measures when the children were nine months, three years and five-years-old. The seven-year-old fieldwork is currently underway. It is not anticipated that the study will be extended beyond this sweep of fieldwork and will come to an end when the seven-year-old results have been reported.
	Total funding from the Department to the end of 2010/11 was £14,080,996. The budget for each year was:
	
		
			  Budget (£) 
			 2000-01 24,186 
			 2001-02 1,008,671 
			 2002-03 1,397,190 
			 2003-04 1,486,919 
			 2004-05 1,758,921 
			 2005-06 1,338,137 
			 2006-07 1,357,937 
			 2007-08 1,423,200 
			 2008-09 1,624,258 
			 2009-10 1,250,577 
			 2010-11 1,411,000 
			 Total 14,080,996 
		
	
	The Millennium Cohort Study
	The Millennium Cohort Study was commissioned by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Their funding has been supplemented by a consortium of Government Departments including DfE. The study is following 19,000 children born in the UK in 2000/01 and is tracking their overall development.
	There have been two data collections within the last five years, when the children were aged five and seven. The MCS has explored some elements of health and emotional well-being in its wider coverage of family life, child care; child behaviour, school choice, cognitive development; parental employment, income and poverty; neighbourhood and residential mobility; and social capital. The next sweep of the study is planned for 2012 when the children will be 11-years-old. The Department has not yet decided whether to financially support the survey beyond this phase.
	Funding from the Department to the end of 2010/11 has amounted to £1,914.103. The budget for each year was:
	
		
			  Budget (£) 
			 2000-01 100,000 
			 2002-03 200,000 
			 2003-04 200,000 
			 2005-06 361,334 
			 2006-07 530,868 
			 2007-08 4,234 
			 2008-09 233,667 
			 2009-10 239,000 
			 2010-11 45,000 
			 Total 1,914,103 
		
	
	The Effective Pre-school Primary and Secondary Education project
	The Effective Pre-school Primary and Secondary Education project (EPPSE) started in 1997. It aimed to identify the impact of pre-school provision on a national sample of children between the ages of three and seven. Since then the Department has funded the research to follow the same sample of 3,000 children through primary school and into secondary school.
	The study has investigated both attainment/cognitive and social/behavioural development. Emotional well-being is treated as a behavioural issue through such concepts as independence, self-regulation and pro-social behaviour. Physical health is not addressed other than as a background factor in a child’s early years. The focus of the study is on the influence of home, pre-school, primary and secondary school on attainment and behavioural development. The Department has not yet decided whether to fund the study beyond age 16.
	Total funding from the Department to the end of 2010/11 was £6,822,956. The budget for each year was:
	
		
			  Budget (£) 
			 Before 2003 1,756,795 
			 2003-04 505,399 
			 2004-05 587,068 
			 2005-06 508,784 
			 2006-07 547,216 
			 2007-08 601,451 
			 2008-09 706,421 
			 2009-10 769,752 
			 2010-11 840,070 
			 Total 6,822,956 
		
	
	The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children
	The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) is a sub-regional longitudinal study following 14,000 children since before they were born in1991/92. It is largely funded by the Medical Research Council with this Department and its predecessors contributing funding since 2006 to ensure data relevant to learning and schools were collected. The overall study is very wide ranging, with many health issues assessed as well as family and school experiences at school, perceived abilities in key subjects, self-confidence, transitions into work, adolescent behaviour and body image.
	The Department’s contract with ALSPAC is almost complete and no decision has been made about further funding.
	Total funding from the Department to the end of 2010/11 has been £722,171. The budget for each year was:
	
		
			  Budget (£) 
			 2006-07 111,762 
			 2007-08 230,749 
			 2008-09 133,218 
			 2009-10 202,804 
			 2010-11 43,638 
			 Total 722,171 
		
	
	Understanding Society
	Understanding Society is commissioned and managed by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Their funding has been supplemented by contributions from a number of Government Departments, including DfE.
	It is a large-scale household study which aims to track up to 100,000 individuals in 40,000 households across the UK. Each individual in sample households aged 10 years and above is included in the study. Those aged 10 to 15 years are given a separate questionnaire to complete. The study started in 2009 and the third wave of interviews started in early 2011.
	The focus of the study is on the household and how each member relates to each other and the questions asked cover a wide spectrum of issues. Questions on emotional well-being and health and nutrition have been asked of respondents aged 10 to 15 in all three waves of interviews to date.
	Total funding from the Department was £200,000 (paid in 2010/11). Further contributions are not anticipated.

Free School Meals

Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what estimate he has made of the proportion of children who take up their entitlement to free school meals in each (a) ethnic and (b) religious group.

Nick Gibb: The information available on the number and percentage of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals in each ethnic group is shown in the following table. The answer includes full and part-time pupils aged five to 15. Information is not available on the proportion of pupils who meet the eligibility criteria but do not make a claim.
	Information on pupils' religious group is not collected by this Department.
	
		
			 Maintained primary, state-funded secondary and special schools  (1,2,3)  : Number and percentage of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals by ethnic group  (4,5)  , January 2010—England 
			  Pupils aged 5 to 15 
			  Maintained primary schools  (1) State-funded secondary schools  (1,2) Special schools  (3) Total  (1,2,3) 
			  Number of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals  (5) Percentage of pupils in each ethnic group eligible for and claiming free school meals (incidence)  (6) Number of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals  (5) Percentage of pupils in each ethnic group eligible for and claiming free school meals (incidence)  (6) Number of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals  (5) Percentage of pupils in each ethnic group eligible for and claiming free school meals (incidence)  (6) Number of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals  (5) Percentage of pupils in each ethnic group eligible for and claiming free school meals (incidence)  (6) 
			 White 415,805 16.4 304,545 13.0 20,835 34.3 741,185 15.0 
			 White British 389,190 16.3 285,665 12.0 20,030 34.4 694,885 14.9 
			 Irish 1,925 18.6 1,815 16.4 80 36.3 3,620 17.8 
			 Traveller of Irish heritage 1,755 60.1 670 61.7 45 65.7 2,470 60.6 
			 Gypsy/Roma 2,670 36.4 1,440 40.3 95 54.2 4,205 38.0 
			 Any other White background 20,265 15.6 15,155 15.6 580 29.1 36,000 15.7 
			   0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0 
			 Mixed 37,815 26.9 23,080 22.8 1,190 39.9 62,085 25.4 
			 White and Black Caribbean 14,765 34.5 9,640 27.4 505 45.4 24,910 31.5 
			 White and Black African 4,715 29.3 2,570 24.9 130 42.1 7,415 27.8 
			 White and Asian 5,845 19.2 3,585 17.4 155 31.5 9,585 18.6 
			 Any other Mixed background 12,490 24.5 7,285 20.9 400 37.4 20,175 23.2 
			   0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0 
			 Asian 62,905 20.2 52,780 24.1 1,785 32.1 117,470 21.9 
			 Indian 7,130 8.7 6,855 10.5 210 18.9 14,190 9.6 
			 Pakistani 32,175 24.5 25,295 29.9 1,000 35.4 58,470 26.7 
			 Bangladeshi 17,440 32.3 15,140 41.8 375 46.7 32,950 36.2 
			 Any other Asian background 6,165 14.0 5,495 16.4 205 24.5 11,860 15.2 
			   0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0 
			 Black 62,795 38.3 42,160 33.3 1,960 47.8 106,915 36.3 
			 Black Caribbean 14,970 33.1 10,110 25.2 545 42.7 25,620 29.6 
			 Black African 40,985 41.4 27,670 38.3 1,115 51.1 59,775 40.2 
			 Any other Black background 6,840 35.1 4,380 31.2 300 46.5 11,520 33.7 
			   0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0 
		
	
	
		
			 Chinese 1,070 9.7 920 8.8 35 21.0 2,030 9.4 
			   0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0 
			 Any other ethnic group 14,465 30.9 10,880 32.4 325 44.1 25,670 31.6 
			   0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0 
			 Classified(4) 594,855 18.5 434,365 15.4 26,130 35.2 1,055,355 17.3 
			   0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0 
			 Unclassified(7) 4,055 18.9 6,240 17.5 305 34.9 10,595 18.3 
			   0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0 
			 Minority ethnic pupils(8) 205,670 25.0 148,700 24.7 6,100 38.1 360,470 25.0 
			   0.0  0.0  0.0  0.0 
			 All pupils(9) 598,915 18.5 440,605 15.4 26,435 35.2 1,065,950 17.3 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Includes city technology colleges and academies. (3) Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes general hospital schools. (4) Pupils of compulsory school age and above were classified according to ethnic group. Excludes dually registered pupils. (5) Includes full and part-time pupils aged five to 15. (6) The number of pupils eligible for and claiming free school meals expressed as a percentage of all pupils in each ethnic group, for each school type. (7) Information refused or not obtained. (8) Includes all pupils classified as belonging to an ethnic group other than White British. (9) All pupils aged five to 15. Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of the component parts because numbers have been rounded to the nearest five. Source: School Census

Free School Meals: Cheshire

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many and what proportion of children are entitled to free school meals in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in (i) Chester West and Cheshire Unitary Authority area and (ii) Halton Borough Council area.

Nick Gibb: The information available, on pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals, is shown in the following table. The answer includes full-time pupils aged 0 to 15 and part-time pupils aged five to 15.
	
		
			 Maintained primary and state-funded secondary schools  (1,2)  : free school meal eligibility  (3,4)  , as at January 2010, in Cheshire West and Chester and Halton local authorities 
			  Primary schools  (1) State-funded secondary schools  (1,2) 
			  Number on roll  (3,4) Number of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals  (3,4) Percentage known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals  (3,4) Number on roll  (3,4) Number of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals  (3,4) Percentage known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals  (3,4) 
			 Cheshire West and Chester 23,975 3,550 14.8 18,838 2,300 12.2 
			 Halton 9,673 3,050 31.5 7,190 1,873 26.1 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2) Includes city technology colleges and academies. (3) Includes sole and dual (main) registrations. (4) Includes full-time pupils aged 0 to 15 and part-time pupils aged five to 15. Source: School Census 
		
	
	Information on school meal arrangements was published in the Statistical First Release ‘Schools, Pupils and their Characteristics: January 2010’ available on our Research and Statistics Gateway website at:
	http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000925/index.shtml

GCE A-Level

Elizabeth Truss: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many and what proportion of GCSE A-level students gained at least three GCSE A-levels at grade A or A* in (a) mathematics, (b) English literature, (c) further mathematics, (d) biological sciences, (e) physics, (f) chemistry, (g) geography, (h) history and (i) a modern foreign language in (i) comprehensive schools, (ii) selective schools, (iii) independent schools and (iv) sixth form colleges (A) nationally and (B) in each local education authority in the last year for which figures are available.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 9 May 2011
	The information requested has been placed in the House Libraries.

Greater Manchester

Rob Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what payments his Department and its non-departmental public bodies have made to (a) the Manchester College, (b) Manchester College for Arts and Technology and (c) City College, Manchester since 1997; and for what purpose in each case.

Nick Gibb: The following payments by the Department for Education, the Young People's Learning Agency and their predecessors have been made to the Manchester College, Manchester College of Arts and Technology and City College, Manchester:
	
		
			 £ 
			 DFE and predecessor The Manchester College Manchester College of Art and Technology City College, Manchester 
			 2004-05 0 12,450,051 2,547 
			 2005-06 0 16,185,922 0 
			 2006-07 0 5,087,364 0 
			 2007-08 0 0 0 
			 2008-09 0 0 0 
			 2009-10 0 0 0 
		
	
	
		
			 £ 
			 Young People's Learning Agency and predecessor The Manchester College Manchester College of Art and Technology City College, Manchester 
			 2004-05 0 20,413,155 12,944,364 
			 2005-06 0 20,004,537 19,928,142 
			 2006-07 0 21,281,516 44,665,013 
			 2007-08 0 23,939,267 63,872,196 
			 2008-09 59,232,549 8,793,204 21,586,210 
			 2009-10 111,644,176 0 0 
		
	
	The Department's and predecessors' funding related to course fees for various members of staff undertaking qualifications. The Young People's Learning Agency's and predecessors' funding was for 16-19 education (including European Social Fund monies and funding for Apprenticeships), learner support, capital and offender learning (which includes all offender learning funding—for 16 to 19-year-olds and adults).
	In accordance with NAO and departmental policy, records relating to creditors and other financial transaction data are kept for a maximum of six years from the end of the financial year to which they relate and complete data prior to the 2004-05 financial year are no longer available.

Higher Education: Admissions

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many and what proportion of children (a) in receipt of and (b) not in receipt of free school meals in each local education authority area went on to higher education in each year since 2001.

David Willetts: I have been asked to reply.
	The latest available information on the numbers of maintained school pupils by local authority area who were in receipt of free school meals aged 15 and progressed to higher education by age 19 will be placed in the Libraries of the House. Matched higher education data are available only from 2005/06.
	Care should be taken when comparing progression rates across local authorities as these are raw figures and are not benchmarked against prior school attainment or other student characteristics that can influence progression rates
	Figures for 2008/09 will be available in autumn 2011.

Pupils: Disadvantaged

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of pupils aged 16 to 18 years in sixth-form colleges and school sixth forms were from highly deprived backgrounds in 2009-10.

Nick Gibb: Table 1 shows the number and percentage of pupils(1) aged 16 to 18 in sixth-form colleges(2) by the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI) deprivation decile.
	(1) Includes students who were aged 16 to 18 on 31 August 2009.
	(2) Includes all students (full and part-time) recorded on the individualised learner record as being an active student at a sixth-form college on 1 January 2010.
	
		
			 Table 1: Pupils aged 16 to 18 in sixth-form colleges by IDACI decile in January 2010 
			 IDACI decile (%)  (1, 2) Number of pupils  (3) Percentage of pupils 
			 0-10 (most deprived) 18,090 12.1 
			 10-20 14,480 9.7 
			 20-30 12,300 8.3 
			 30-40 11,790 7.9 
			 40-50 13,040 8.8 
			 50-60 13,740 9.2 
			 60-70 14,530 9.8 
			 70-80 15,780 10.6 
			 80-90 16,260 10.9 
			 90-100 (least deprived) 18,890 12.7 
			 Total 148,880 100 
			 (1) Each super output area in England is given an IDACI score which ranks it between one and 32,482, one being the most deprived. (2) IDACI bands are based on 2007 IDACI scores. (3) Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Percentages are calculated on pre-rounded data. Individual numbers may not sum to the total due to rounding. Note: 573 students have been removed from the above table as their IDACI score was unknown. Source: Individualised Learner Record (ILR0910_L05_LEARNER). 
		
	
	Table 2 shows the number and percentage of pupils(1) aged 16 to 18 in schools(2) by IDACI deprivation decile.
	(1) Includes solely registered and main registration of dually registered pupils aged 16 to 18.
	(2) Includes maintained secondary schools, city technology colleges, academies, maintained special schools and non-maintained special schools.
	
		
			 Table 2: Pupils aged 16 to 18 in schools by IDACI decile in January 2010 
			 IDACI decile (%)  (1, 2) Number of pupils Percentage of pupils 
			 0-10 (most deprived) 34,860 8.3 
			 10-20 34,120 8.2 
			 20-30 35,490 8.5 
			 30-40 37,250 8.9 
			 40-50 39,520 9.5 
			 50-60 41,770 10.0 
			 60-70 43,940 10.5 
			 70-80 47,110 11.3 
			 80-90 50,290 12.0 
			 90-100 (least deprived) 53,490 12.8 
		
	
	
		
			 Total 417,830 100.0 
			 (1) Each super output area in England is given an IDACI score which ranks it between one and 32,482, one being the most deprived. (2) IDACI bands are based on 2007 IDACI scores. Notes: 1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Percentages are calculated on pre-rounded data. Individual numbers may not sum to the total due to rounding. 2. 1,485 pupils have been removed from the table as their IDACI score was unknown. Source: January 2010 school census.

Pupils: Reading Berkshire

Rob Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children resident in the area covered by Reading local authority have been educated in other local education authority areas in (a) 2011 to date and (b) each year since 2005.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 23 May 2011
	The information requested for the years 2005 to 2010 is provided in the following table. The latest information for 2011 will be published on the Department’s website in June.
	
		
			 Pupils  (1)   resident in Reading local authority educated in schools maintained by other local authorities in each year since 2005 
			  Number of pupils Percentage of pupils 
			 2005 4,768 28.7 
			 2006 4,793 28.7 
			 2007 4,774 28.4 
			 2008 4,819 26.9 
			 2009 4,744 26.0 
			 2010 4,673 25.4 
			 (1) Includes solely registered and main registration of dually registered pupils. Notes: 1. Includes pupils aged 5 to 15 attending local authority maintained primary, maintained secondary, city technology colleges and academies. Pupils aged five and over attending maintained special schools and non-maintained special schools. Excludes pupils reported to be boarders.  2. Includes pupils in national curriculum year groups reception to year 11 attending local authority maintained primary, maintained secondary, maintained special schools, non-maintained special schools city technology colleges and academies. Excludes pupils reported to be boarders.

Schools: Catering

Nicholas Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 11 May 2011, Official Report, column 1280W, on further education: catering, whether he has received reports of any schools that do not have (a) kitchens and (b) cafeterias on any of their sites.

Nick Gibb: holding answer 19 May 2011
	The School Food Trust collects information about kitchen facilities as part of its annual survey of school lunch take up. The following table is adapted from the 2009-10 survey report (table 11, page 22), and shows that just over three-quarters of primary schools and nearly all secondary schools had kitchen facilities (either full production or regeneration/mini kitchens), based on responses from 138 local authorities for primary schools and 135 local authorities for secondary schools. The full survey report can be found at:
	http://www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk/school-cooks-caterers/reports/fifth-annual-survey-of-take-up-of-school-meals-in-england
	
		
			 Facilities for food preparation in primary  (1)   and secondary schools in England, 2009-10  (2) 
			 Percentage 
			    No facilities  
			  Full production kitchen Regen or mini kitchen Hot food transported from another school Hot food transported from another source Sandwich/cold food only FSM only  (3) Unknown 
			 Primary(1, )(3) 69.9 7.5 14.1 1.7 3.5 2.4 3.3 
			 Secondary(3) 93.2 0.5 0.2 0.0 0.5 0.3 5.7 
			 (1) Primary plus special combined. (2) Adapted from table 11, fifth annual survey of take up of school lunches in England, School Food Trust, 2010 (3) Percentages will not add to 100% as FSM only is a subset of no facilities: sandwich/cold food only. Note: Base: primary 138 local authorities; secondary 135 local authorities. 
		
	
	The survey does not collect information on dining facilities, including cafeterias.
	The Department also receives occasional correspondence seeking information about possible sources of funding for building or improving kitchens and dining facilities. Schools may use their own devolved formula capital to support improvements to their catering facilities, and local authorities can also provide capital funding where it is the local priority.

Schools: Crimes of Violence

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many teachers in each region of England have reported physical assaults on them in each of the last three years.

Nick Gibb: Information is not available in the form requested.
	The Department collects information on the reason pupils are excluded from school. Data on reasons for exclusion include information on physical assault, verbal abuse or threatening behaviour against an adult, but not specifically against teachers or school staff.
	Information on the number of permanent and fixed period exclusions which have been given the reason ‘physical assault against an adult’ for 2006/07 to 2008/09 is shown in the table.
	
		
			 Primary, secondary and special schools  (1, 2, 3)  : number of fixed period and permanent exclusions for physical assault against an adult  (4)  : 2006/07 to 2008/09, in England, by region 
			  2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 
			  Number of fixed period exclusions Permanent exclusions  (4) Number of fixed period exclusions Permanent exclusions  (4) Number of fixed period exclusions Permanent exclusions  (4) 
			 North East 780 60 650 60 790 60 
			 North West 2,520 140 2,460 150 2,380 120 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 2,220 80 2,080 70 1,940 60 
			 East Midlands 1,740 120 1,760 100 1,590 80 
			 West Midlands 2,150 120 1,980 130 1,900 100 
			 East of England 1,670 80 1,480 80 1,470 60 
			        
			 London 2,930 160 2,820 170 2,740 120 
			 Inner London 1,270 70 1,230 70 1,150 40 
			 Outer London 1,660 100 1,600 100 1,590 80 
			        
			 South East 2,880 140 2,980 130 2,940 90 
			 South West 1,730 90 1,680 60 1,450 45 
			 England 18,590 980 17,870 950 17,200 730 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed. (2 )Includes city technology colleges and academies. (3 )Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes general hospital schools. (4 )Figures relating to permanent exclusions are estimates based on incomplete pupil-level data. Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of component parts as numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. Source:  School Census 
		
	
	The latest available data on exclusions were published in the Statistical First Release ‘Permanent and Fixed Period Exclusions from Schools in England 2008/09’ on 29 July 2010 at:
	http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000942/index.shtml.

Schools: Finance

Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what funding his Department provided to maintained schools for the teaching of (a) history, (b) geography and (c) religious education in each of the last five years.

Nick Gibb: Schools' baseline funding includes provision for them to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum. No specific funding allocation was made on top of this for the teaching of history, geography and religious education.

Teachers

Dominic Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many teachers there are per head of population.

Nick Gibb: In January 2009 the headcount of full and part-time teachers in service in publicly funded schools in England was 502,500. This is approximately 1.0% of the population in England. These are the most recent comparable figures available.

Teachers: Training

Dominic Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much per capita his Department spent on teacher training in each of the last five years.

Nick Gibb: The information is not available in the form requested. The following tables show the funding paid out by the Training and Development Agency for Schools for initial teacher training and the registrations of new entrants to mainstream and employment-based training routes (including Teach First).
	
		
			 Funding 
			 £000 
			   Financial year 
			   2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06 
			 Provider funding ITT provider funding 264,729 253,467 256,545 258,802 242,223 
			  Primary modern foreign languages 3,268 3,457 2,038 2,293 1,010 
			  Employment-based routes funding 88,333 87,222 92,986 88,273 87,074 
			  Teach First 7,998 4,207 4,040 1,927 1,307 
			        
			 Trainee funding Training bursaries 157,303 149,383 170,160 165,900 149,993 
		
	
	
		
			  Secondary Shortage Subject Scheme 0 0 749 496 4,928 
			  Access to learning funds 48 5 91 86 111 
			  The Golden Hello scheme 29,662 29,067 28,215 27,954 27,390 
			  Total 551,341 526,808 554,824 545,731 514,036 
		
	
	
		
			 Registrations 
			 £000 
			  Academic year 
			  2009/10 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 
			 Mainstream undergraduate 7,920 7,690 7,620 7,960 8,230 
			 Mainstream postgraduate 25,110 23,530 23,730 24,510 25,050 
			 EBITT (including Teach First) 6,460 6,590 7,010 7,370 7,220

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Adult Education: Finance

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding his Department and its predecessor allocated to each further education institution for the further education of those over the age of 24 in each of the last five years.

John Hayes: In November 2010 the coalition Government published “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth” which set out the eligibility criteria for Government funding for further education and skills and the budget available for 2011-12.
	This Government have introduced a single Adult Skills Budget for provision for adults aged 19 and over, enabling colleges and training organisations to offer the range and balance of programmes, from basic skills to higher level skills, in the mode of delivery that will best meet the needs of learners, employers and communities.
	The previous Government provided funding for participation to further education institutions split between two key budgets—Adult Learner Responsive and Employer Responsive—and planned by programme and level of provision. These plans did not allocate funds by age group.

Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre

Simon Danczuk: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will assess the performance of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in promoting and supporting UK manufacturing.

David Willetts: Manufacturing is a priority area of activity for the Technology Strategy Board. The performance of the High Value Manufacturing Technology and Innovation Centre established by it will therefore be monitored and assessed, on an ongoing basis, in the context of the centre's contribution to the wider programme of work being taken forward by the Technology Strategy Board.
	Together with the Technology Strategy Board, we will also monitor more specific measures including the ability of the centre to leverage private sector contract funding; attract grant funding from EU and national research programmes; the number of businesses they support and create; and the nature and scale of their interactions with the knowledge base.
	The centre is comprised of a group of seven existing research and technology centres including the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), situated in Rotherham.

Apprentices

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of individuals over the age of 24 years who would be eligible to pay fees for apprenticeships in academic year 2013-14 under his proposals.

John Hayes: holding answer 23 May 2011
	In November 2010 the coalition Government published “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth” which set out the planned changes to the entitlements to full funding further education and skills for adults in England. This document also set out the Government’s plan to expand apprenticeships and introduce fee loans for the 2013/14 academic year for adults aged 24 and over starting qualifications at level 3 or above, providing access to £398 million of resource for teaching and learning by the end of this spending review. At level 2, apprenticeships are currently co-funded with the state and the employer both contributing. This will continue to be the case in the 2013/14 academic year.
	The Apprenticeships programme is demand-led and so it is not possible to predict levels of participation in 2013/14. The Statistical First Release(1) provides the latest data on the proportion of starts and completions on apprenticeships by age (under 19, 19 to 24 and 25+) and level (intermediate, advanced and higher).
	(1)http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/3AEFF9BC-8E53-41A1-8BCA-385DF0DB12D3/0/SFR_March11_Published_May_Updatepdf.pdf

Apprentices

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether apprenticeships for those over the age of 24 years will be subject to further education fees in the 2013-14 academic year.

John Hayes: holding answer 23 May 2011
	As set out in “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth” in November 2010, from the 2013/14 academic year the Government will introduce loans for those aged 24 and above studying for qualifications at level 3 and above. For advanced apprenticeships taken by those aged 24 and above, it will be assumed that employers will continue to make a contribution as at present to the cost of the apprenticeship, and that the individual will take out a loan to cover the cost borne by the provider.

Apprentices

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to his Department’s strategy document, Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth, what assumptions he has made of the proportion of further education fees paid by those over the age of 24 years undertaking an apprenticeship that will be allocated to (a) his Department, (b) the provider of further education and (c) the employer.

John Hayes: holding answer 23 May 2011
	As set out in “Investing in Skills for Sustainable Growth” in November 2010, from the 2013/14 academic year the Government will introduce loans for those aged 24 and above studying for qualifications at level 3 and above. For advanced apprenticeships taken by those aged 24 and above, it will be assumed that employers will continue to contribute to the apprenticeship as at present, and the individual will draw down a loan to cover the cost borne by the provider. The up-front cost of the loan will be met by the Government, and repayment terms for the individual will mirror those being adopted for HE student finance, with an income threshold of £21,000 for repayment to begin, and write off outstanding loan amounts after 30 years.

Bakery Products

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will make an assessment of the effect of below-cost selling of bread on employment conditions in the baking industry.

Edward Davey: Matters related to below-cost selling fall to the competition authorities to investigate.

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  on what date special advisers in his Department last used the Government car pool to travel in an official capacity; and on how many occasions a special adviser in his Department has travelled to their home address using the Government car pool since May 2010;
	(2)  how much his Department spent on special advisers' travel by (a) Government car, (b) private hire car, (c) train, (d) bus, (e) commercial aircraft and (f) private aircraft since May 2010.

Edward Davey: There are no civil servants or special advisers in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills entitled to the use of a car from the Government car pool.
	The use of official cars and taxis by civil servants, including special advisers, is governed by the requirements of the Civil Service Management Code.
	Costs of travel undertaken by special advisers could be provided only at disproportionate costs.

Employment Agencies

Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether limited company contractors who are in business on their own account fall within the scope of the Agency Workers Regulations 2010. [R]

Edward Davey: Under the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 the definition of an agency worker excludes those who are in business on their own account where the status of the hirer is that of a client or customer of a “profession or business undertaking”—where there is a business to business relationship. Simply putting earnings through a limited company would not in itself put the individuals beyond the possible scope of the regulations.

Employment Agencies

Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has any plans to review the operation of the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 and its associated guidance. [R]

Edward Davey: A review of the agency workers directive will be carried out by the European Commission, in consultation with member states and social partners at Community level, by 5 December 2013. In addition BIS will be closely monitoring the impact of the agency workers regulations in the UK and will have conducted a post-implementation review by December 2013. The main source of information for the formal evaluation and ongoing monitoring is likely to be the Labour Force Survey/Annual Population Survey but other surveys and research may also be relevant carried out by Government or other bodies.

English Language: Universities

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions (a) he and (b) his officials have had with their counterparts in the Home Department on the effects of English language requirements on universities in the academic year 2011-12; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: I am in regular contact with the Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), to discuss migration issues affecting universities and colleges, including the impact of the tier 4 visa regulation changes that came into effect in April this year. Similarly BIS officials continue to meet regularly with officials in the UK Border Agency. The higher education sector has made very clear to us all their concerns about the implementation of the new English language requirements mid-way through the recruitment cycle for the next academic year.

Export Credit Guarantees

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much debt each country owes to the Export Credits Guarantee Department; and what the expected final payment date is in each case.

Edward Davey: Debt owed by sovereign Governments to the Export Credits Guarantee Department as at 28 April is listed by country in the following table. An expected final payment date, where this has been agreed, is shown.
	
		
			 Country Agreed final payment date Total debt (£ million) 
			 Antigua and Barbuda 1 March 2024 1.46 
			 Argentina — 43.25 
			 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 December 2021 1.32 
			 Congo, DR — 19.31 
			 Cote D'Ivoire 1 August 2026 21.00 
			 Cuba — 187.18 
			 Dominica — 6.28 
			 Ecuador 15 September 2021 32.48 
			 Egypt 1 January 2024 100.07 
			 Grenada 1 July 2019 1.94 
			 Guinea 1 January 2033 4.30 
			 Indonesia 1 June 2021 445.96 
			 Iran — 28.44 
			 Iraq 1 January 2028 290.18 
			 Kenya 30 June 2020 16.74 
			 Korea, DPR — 5.86 
			 Myanmar — 53.06 
			 Pakistan 30 November 2024 5.81 
			 Serbia 22 March 2024 178.65 
			 Seychelles 30 June 2027 1.06 
			 Somalia — 48.37 
			 Sudan — 663.68 
			 Vietnam 15 January 2017 7.07 
			 Zimbabwe — 190.34 
			    
			 Total  2,353.81

Fossil Fuels: Export Credit Guarantees

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the annual carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel projects in respect of which a guarantee has been issued by the Export Credits Guarantee Department since May 2010.

Edward Davey: The Export Credits Guarantee Department’s (ECGD) policy is to report the greenhouse gas emissions of category A and category B projects as defined by the 2007 OECD “Council Recommendation On Common Approaches on the Environment And Officially Supported Export Credits” where emissions during the operations phase are estimated to be above 100,000 tonnes CO2e per annum. The information is published in ECGD’s Annual Review and Resource Accounts.
	Since May 2010, ECGD has supported export contracts for two such projects: the Portovaya gas compressor station in Russia and the Kayan petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia, for which the estimated annual greenhouse gas emissions are 1.0 million tonnes CO2e and 5.9 million tonnes CO2e respectively.

Higher Education: Admissions

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2011 to the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale, Official Report, columns 712-13W, on higher education: admissions, whether the Higher Education Statistics Agency collects information on (a) the number of students who previously attended independent schools, (b) the drop-out rate of such students from higher education and (c) degree results of such students.

David Willetts: The previous school type of higher education students is collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). This information is collected for full-time undergraduate students who apply through UCAS. Institutions are encouraged to provide this information for students who do not apply through UCAS but coverage is not complete.
	HESA publish non-continuation rates (Table 3) and HE entrant numbers (Table 1) on their website
	www.hesa.ac.uk/pi
	broken down at HEI level. However, they do not publish their non-continuation rates by school type and the entrant numbers reflect participation rates for young people entering university from state schools and colleges.
	BIS analysts have used the information HESA hold to show degree classifications for qualifiers who are recorded as previously attending an independent school. To minimise non-response, coverage has been restricted to UK domiciled full-time first degree qualifiers. For this group of students, 13% have missing or unknown previous school type information.
	
		
			 UK domiciled full-time first degree qualifiers who previously attended an independent school by degree classification UK higher education institutions. Academic year 2009/10 
			 Degree classification Number Percentage of total classified 
			 Degree 23,975 — 
			 Of which:   
			 First Class 3,725 16 
			 Upper Second 14,370 60 
			 Lower Second 5,060 21 
			 Third/Pass 820 3 
			 Note: Figures are based on a HESA qualifications obtained population and have been rounded to the nearest five, proportions are based on pre-rounded figures. Certain qualifications gained at first degree level are not subject to classification of the award, notably medical and general degrees. These together with ordinary degrees and aegrotat qualifications will be excluded from this analysis. Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). 
		
	
	Estimates produced by Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) analysts indicate that there were 30,500 young entrants to full-time first degree courses in UK higher education institutions (HEIs) from independent schools. Some 4% of these young entrants were no longer in an HEI in the following academic year.

Higher Education: Finance

Ben Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 
	(1)  what support will be available under the new student finance system to those considering leaving higher education because of changes to their families’ financial circumstances;
	(2)  what measures are in place to ensure that support is provided to those not estranged from their parents whose parents withhold financial support from their university education;
	(3)  what plans he has to ensure that the needs of those who are not estranged from their parents but whose parents refuse to contribute towards the cost of their higher education are met by the new student finance system.

David Willetts: All eligible full-time students are able to take out an up-front student loan to finance their tuition costs and a loan to help towards their living costs, regardless of their household income. This will remain the case when the Government’s new finance arrangements for higher education are implemented in September 2012.
	The Government have announced that up-front tuition loans will also be available for new students starting full-time distance learning and part-time courses from September 2012 onwards, regardless of their household income.
	All full-time students can apply for means-tested grants to help towards their living costs. A proportion of the loan for living costs entitlement is also means-tested.
	In those cases where a student is not assessed to receive a full grant, the Government ask students to seek a contribution from their parents—or in the case of independent students, their husband, wife or partner. The support system operates on the assumption that these family members are willing to provide a financial contribution towards the student’s living costs.
	Students facing particular financial hardship can also apply for help from the discretionary Access to Learning Fund through their university or college.
	The income assessment for means-tested support is usually determined on the basis of the student’s household income for the financial year two years prior to the financial year in which they make their application for student finance. If a student’s household income in the financial year in which they make their application for student finance is likely to be at least 15% less than that used in the initial assessment, a student can ask for their entitlement to be calculated using the lower household income.

Local Enterprise Partnerships

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effects of the current economic situation on companies who are not represented by local enterprise partnerships.

Mark Prisk: No assessment has been made of the effects of the current economic situation on companies who are not represented by local enterprise partnerships. Currently 94% of all active enterprises are covered by a local enterprise partnership and we are continuing to work with new Partnerships as they develop their proposals.
	The Department is in the process of putting in place the capacity to collect information on current business conditions across the country which will be coordinated centrally where that is appropriate. These activities include the now up and running BIS local offices and a regular national business survey which should be able to track changes in business conditions over time at subnational levels.

Manufacturing Industries

Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to ensure that sufficient (a) school and college leavers and (b) graduates have the skills to support growth in the manufacturing sector.

John Hayes: Manufacturing is vital to achieving strong, balanced and sustainable growth and we are committed to improving skills at all levels to support that growth. In schools we have introduced the English Baccalaureate which will help to drive up participation and attainment rates in mathematics and science, and we will also provide additional support to improve take up. At technician level we are expanding demand-led apprenticeships to address skill needs at intermediate and associate professional level, including manufacturing, and we are growing the number of higher apprenticeships with a focus on advanced manufacturing.
	Apprenticeships provide an important vocational route to help people move into higher-level skills development and give their employers the opportunity to contribute. We are looking much more ambitiously at creating clear progression routes for apprentices through to graduate, post graduate and professional level qualifications. In higher education we continue to provide additional funding for science, technology and engineering degrees and want universities to ensure that students are aware of the benefits of undertaking these subjects. We want businesses to engage more with universities in course design and work placements so that businesses such as manufacturing employers can help develop courses that will provide attractive employment to sustain and strengthen their competitiveness.

Press: Competition

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) on when the OFT review of its decision to extend the exemption afforded to newspaper and magazine distributors from section 131 of the Enterprise Act 2002 will take place; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Davey: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), has not had any meetings with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) relating to newspaper and magazine suppliers. Any competition review of this market is a matter solely for the OFT.

Royal Mail

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had with Royal Mail Group on revaluation of the colleague shares scheme.

Edward Davey: ColleagueShare is a Company incentive scheme set up in 2007 by Royal Mail in agreement with Government. The Department, therefore, has had discussions with Royal Mail about the operation of the scheme including their valuation of the ColleagueShares.
	The final value of the ColleagueShares will not, however, be known until the end of the scheme in 2012. So far, dividends of £1,600 have been paid to ColleagueShare holders and the scheme is expected to have paid out £2,200 to most members by the time it closes in March 2012.

Small Businesses

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment he has made of the effects of regulation on small businesses in England.

Mark Prisk: In November last year, the Better Regulation Executive published a report called ‘Lightening the Load’ which looked at the impact of regulation on the UK's smallest businesses. Through interviews with 500 micro-businesses (businesses with fewer than 10 employees), the report provided an important insight into the issues that these businesses face in dealing with regulation.
	The Government also regularly engage with organisations which represent small businesses to discuss the issues which are of importance to their members, of which regulation is one.
	‘Lightening the Load’ is available on the BIS website:
	http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/better-regulation/docs/l/10-1251-lightening-the-load-regulatory-impact-smallest-businesses.pdf

Technology Transfer: Developing Countries

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to Article 66.2 of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, what steps his Department is taking to promote technology transfer of environmentally sound technologies to least developed countries.

Edward Davey: Article 66.2 of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) states that:
	“Developed country members shall provide incentives to enterprises and institutions in their territories for the purpose of promoting and encouraging technology transfer to least-developed country members in order to enable them to create a sound and viable technological base.”
	It does not specifically mention environmentally sound technologies.
	The UK, as part of the EU, reports annually to the WTO on its implementation of Article 66.2. The latest report includes support for: the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), Development Partnerships in Higher Education (DelPHE), and Business Call to Action (BCtA). These initiatives have included projects on climate and the environment. For example, in November 2010 the AECF held a competition on ‘Renewable Energy and Adaptation to Climate Technologies’ to seek private-sector partners for projects in East Africa.

Trade Unions

Dominic Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many staff of (a) his Department, (b) the UK Space Agency, (c) Companies House, (d) the Insolvency Service, (e) the National Measurements Office and (f) the UK Intellectual Property Office are entitled to work (i) full-time as trade union representatives and (ii) part-time on trade union activities; how many such staff are paid more than £25,900 annually; and what the cost to the public purse of employing such staff on such duties was in the latest period for which figures are available.

Edward Davey: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) (excluding UK Trade and Investment), has two full-time trade union representatives. BIS follows the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service's Code of Practice ‘Time off for Trades Union Duties and Activities’:
	http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2391
	In accordance with this, the Department grants facilities time to 35 staff for industrial relations and trade union activities. The majority of these have an allocation of 24 days or less. Thirty four members of staff are paid more than £25,900 (full-time equivalent) annually. The cost of the amount of facility time the Department allocates is £356,557 for the financial year 2010-11.
	I have asked the chief executives of the Insolvency Service, Companies House, the National Measurement Office, the Intellectual Property Office, UK Space Agency and the Skills Funding Agency and they will respond to my hon. Friend directly.
	Letter from Stephen Speed, dated 19 May 2011
	The Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has asked me to reply to your question concerning the number of staff in The Insolvency Service who are entitled to work (i) full-time as trade union representatives and (ii) part-time on trade union activities; how many such staff are paid more than £25,900 annually; and what the cost to the public purse of employing such staff on such duties was in the latest period for which figures are available.
	In 2010/11, two staff were employed as full time trade union representatives and twenty three staff were awarded facility time (time off to undertake trade union activities in accordance with the ACAS Code of Practice) in connection with employee relations or trade union activity. Of these 25 staff, 13 were paid over £25, 900 annually, but not, necessarily, wholly for their trade union work. The overall salary cost for such duties, in 2010/11, was £79,124.
	Letter from Gareth Jones, dated 19 May 2011
	I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary Question tabled 16 May 2011, UIN56433 to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.
	Companies House has one member of staff who works as a full time Trade Union representative and eleven members of staff who work part time on Trade Union activities. Of these staff two are paid more than £25,900 annually. The cost for the financial year 2010/11 of employing staff on such duties was £61,331.
	Letter from Peter Mason, dated 19 May 2011
	I am responding in respect of the National Measurement Office (formerly National Weights and Measures Laboratory) to your Parliamentary Question tabled on 16/5/2011 [reference 2010/5431 ] to the Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, asking how many staff are entitled to work (i) full-time as trade union representatives and (ii) part-time on trade union activities; how many such staff are paid more than £25,900 annually; and what the cost to the public purse of employing such staff on such duties was in the latest period for which figures are available.
	The NMO does not have any staff working full time as trade union representatives but does have 3 members of staff who are able to claim “facility time” for undertaking union activities in relation to the representative machinery within the Agency. All of these members of staff earn more than £25,900 per annum. According to the Agency's time recording system, 42 hours were spent on such activities in the Financial Year to 31 March 2011, at an estimated cost of £2,105. As NMO earned some external income as well as its funding from Government, not all of this is a cost falling on the public purse.
	Letter from John Alty, dated 18 May 2011
	I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office to your Parliamentary Question tabled 16th May 2011, to the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
	The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is an Executive Agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). The IPO does not employ full time trade union officials, but four of its employees are entitled to work part time on trade union activities. Three of these have a full time equivalent annual salary over £25,900. In 2010/11 the cost to the IPO of employing these staff on trade union duties was approximately £13,785. IPO is a trading fund so does not rely on public funds.
	Letter from Dr David Williams, dated 19 May 2011
	Thank you for your question addressed to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills asking how many staff (a) his Department (b) the British National Space Agency, (c) Companies House, (d) the Insolvency Service, (e) the National Measurements Office and (f) the UK Intellectual Property Office are entitled to work (i) full-time as trade union representatives and (ii) part-time on trade union activities; how many such staff are paid more than £25,900 annually; and what the cost to the public purse of employing such staff on such duties was in the latest period for which figures are available. (56433)
	In response to your question, no staff from the UK Space Agency are employed either full or part time on trade union activities. Regarding the question of eligibility, anyone who is a union member may be eligible to be employed on Trade Union activities but we do not hold details of which staff are trade union members.
	Letter from Geoff Russell, dated 19 May 2011
	Thank you for your parliamentary question addressed to the Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills asking how many staff in the Skills Funding Agency (the Agency) are entitled to work (i) full-time as trade union representatives and (ii) part-time on trade union activities; how many such staff are paid more than £25,900 annually; and what the cost to the public purse of employing such staff on such duties was in the latest period for which figures are available.
	Please be advised that in the Agency:
	there are no trade union representatives entitled to work full-time;
	there are at present 28 part-time union representatives, 24 of whom are paid over £25,900; and
	the total annual cost to the public purse of employing such staff is £247,131.63 which comprises £190,101.25 salary costs that the Agency pays for trade union representatives' facility time and £57,030.38 for 'on costs' in respect of employer's national insurance and pension contributions.
	The following table shows an anonymised breakdown of cost for each of the 28 trade union representatives.
	
		
			 PCS/c  ost breakdown as at 31   March 20  11 
			  Allocation    Facility time 
			 Trade union rep roles % FTE Actual FTE Allocation/w  eek Days/week Annual salary (£) Total costs (£) 
			 1 80 0.80 4.00 0.80 47,173.00 37,738.40 
			 2 43 0.43 2.15 0.43 33,050.00 14,211.50 
			 3 43 0.43 2.15 0.43 35,753,00 15,373.79 
			 4 32 0.32 1.60 0.32 24,346,00 7,790.72 
			 5 43 0.43 2.15 0.43 51,688,00 22,225.84 
			 6 18 0.18 0.90 0.18 47,006.00 8,461.08 
			 7 45 0.45 2.25 0.45 27,863.00 12,538.35 
			 8 27 0.27 1.35 0.27 24,508.00 6,617.16 
			 9 18 0.18 0.90 0.18 39,045.00 7,028.10 
			 10 10 0.10 0.50 0.10 51,688.00 5,168.80 
			 11 35 0.35 1.75 0.35 21,463.00 7,512.05 
			 12 10 0.10 0.50 0.10 53,027.00 5,302.70 
			 13 10 0.10 0.50 0.10 50,209.00 5,020.90 
			 14 18 0.18 0.90 0.18 19,942.00 3,589.56 
			 15 8 0.08 0.40 0.08 32,685.00 2,614.80 
			 16 10 0.10 0.50 0.10 29,611.00 2,961.10 
			 17 10 0.10 0.50 0.10 46,162.00 4,616.20 
			 18 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 28,632.00 1,431.60 
			 19 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 46,045.00 2,302.25 
			 20 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 33,182.00 1,659.10 
			 21 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 39,236.00 1,961.80 
			 22 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 51,352.00 2,567.60 
			 23 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 28,917.00 1,445.85 
			 24 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 29,611.00 1,480.55 
			 25 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 51,688.00 2,584.40 
			 26 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 48,029.00 2,401.45 
			 27 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 33,404.00 1,670.20 
			 28 5 0.05 0.25 0.05 36,508.00 1,825.40 
			     5.15 1,061,823.00 190,101.25

Universities

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what guidance his Department has provided to universities on the promotion of community involvement; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: Higher education institutions (HEIs), as independent bodies, set their own priorities for community involvement. They already engage with their communities in many ways, including providing access to sports facilities, museums, theatres and galleries; community volunteering by staff and students; and creating lifelong learning opportunities for a diverse body of learners. The Higher Education-Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) Survey shows that 0.75 million people attended free public lectures in 2008-09 and over 1.6 million paid to attend performances at UK HEIs.
	The Department has not issued guidance promoting community involvement but has provided, via the Higher Education Funding Council for England, £52 million up to 2008-09 under the HE Active Community Fund to help promote staff and student volunteering. This has helped to establish volunteering as a strong presence in the sector, and many volunteering opportunities available in universities involve links with local communities and groups.

Universities: Overseas Students

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many offers of places in British universities made to students from outside the EU for academic year 2011-12 had been accepted by 20 March 2011; and if he will make a statement.

David Willetts: At 21 March 2011, there were 3,751 applicants domiciled outside the EU who had firmly accepted offers to higher education courses at UK institutions, via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). This is out of a total of 42,729 non-EU domiciled applicants at the same date.
	This includes applicants who had been given both conditional and unconditional offers for places. It also includes applicants who have chosen to apply for deferred entry.
	Those applicants who have not given firm replies will include those who were not obliged to give a reply to any offers received by this point in the cycle, in addition to those applicants who at that point had not received replies to all of their choices, or whose main scheme choices were all unsuccessful.

SCOTLAND

Housing Benefit

Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in (a) Fife and (b) Glenrothes receive (i) housing benefit and (ii) local housing allowance.

Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply.
	As at January 2011, there were 30,780 housing benefit claimants in the Fife local authority, of which 4,600 were assessed under the local housing allowance rules. In the Westminster constituency of Glenrothes, there were 10,060 housing benefit claimants in total, of which 1,550 customers were assessed under the local housing allowance rules.
	Notes:
	1. The data refer to benefit units, which may be a single persons or couples, and are rounded to the nearest 10.
	2. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month.
	3. Local housing allowance tenants (LHA) may include a small number of non-LHA cases making a new claim since 7 April 2008.
	4. This will include recipients in caravan accommodation.
	5. The data incorporate the local authority changes from 1 April 2009.
	6. SHBE is, a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct from local authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly aggregate clerical returns. The data are available monthly from November 2008 and January 2011 is the most recently available release.
	7. Tenure type does not include recipients with unknown tenure type.
	8. Local housing allowance was introduced in the Private Deregulated sector from April 2008.
	9. Parliamentary constituency is based on the address of the HB recipient and are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010.
	10. Note that local authority data are based on the authority administering the benefit claim. It is possible for the recipient to reside in a different LA to the one administering their HB/CTB claim. Therefore it may not always be possible to make direct comparisons between parliamentary constituency and local authority data
	11. Parliamentary constituency breakdowns are now available for January 2011 housing benefit and council tax benefit caseloads. There are at present no plans to repeat the exercise for any further time periods.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

Prosecutions: Northamptonshire

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Attorney-General in which three categories of offence the Crown Prosecution Service has brought the highest proportion of successful prosecutions in Northamptonshire in the last year for which figures are available.

Dominic Grieve: During the year ending March 2011, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in Northamptonshire had an overall successful prosecution outcome of 86.9%. In line with national performance, the three categories of offence that brought the highest proportion of successful prosecutions were:
	
		
			  Percentage 
			 Drugs offences 96.7 
			 Motoring offences 92.1 
			 Theft offences 90.1

HEALTH

Bowel Cancer: Health Services

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effects on bowel cancer patients of travelling long distances on public transport to hospital appointments; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: We have made no specific assessment of the effects of travelling long distances on public transport to hospital appointments on bowel cancer patients. However, we know anecdotally that many cancer patients want to receive treatment closer to home.
	In 2007 the National Radiotherapy Advisory Group report “Radiotherapy: developing a world class service for England”, recommended that, where possible, patients should not travel more than 45 minutes for radiotherapy treatment. This recommendation followed feedback received at a patient workshop. In 2009 the National Chemotherapy Advisory Group report, “Chemotherapy Services in England: Ensuring Quality and Safety”, recommended that chemotherapy services should be localised where clinically appropriate and that patients' views on the experience of receiving chemotherapy should be sought and acted upon. Both advisory groups feature patients in their membership.
	However, as acknowledged in “Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer”, patients may wish to choose different providers for different forms of treatment and care and this will impact on travelling times. For example, a patient may be prepared to travel further for surgery from a specialist provider with better outcomes, but may wish to receive treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy closer to their home. A copy of the strategy has already been placed in the Library.

Breast Cancer: Screening

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in Bolton have been invited to attend breast screening by Royal Bolton Hospital in each of the last five years.

Paul Burstow: The information is not available in the format requested.
	Information on the number of women aged 45 and over invited by Bolton, Bury and Rochdale Breast Screening Unit for the last five years is shown in the following table:
	
		
			 Women invited 
			  Number 
			 2005-06 27,230 
			 2006-07 28,527 
			 2007-08 29,606 
			 2008-09 31,580 
			 2009-10 29,815 
			 Notes:  1. The number invited relates to women with screening status classifications of ‘first call’, i.e., first invitation for routine screening, or ‘routine recall’, who are sent invitations.  2. Early recalls are not included in the table and neither are general practitioner and self-referrals to the screening programme. Early recalls are non-routine invitations at less than the standard screening interval.  Source:  The NHS Information Centre for health and social care.

Breast Cancer: Surgery

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women undergoing surgery for breast cancer aged (a) 49 years and under, (b) 50 to 59, (c) 60 to 69, (d) 70 to 79 and (e) over 80 years in each (i) cancer network and (ii) primary care trust were offered immediate breast reconstruction surgery in the latest year for which figures are available.

Paul Burstow: The information is not available in the format requested.
	The National Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Audit collected data on women having a mastectomy and immediate and delayed reconstruction surgery between 1 January 2008 and 31 March 2009. There are four audit reports and these are available on the NHS Information Centre website at:
	www.ic.nhs.uk/mbrreports
	It is important to note that although all eligible English national health service trusts participated in the audit, not all eligible cases were submitted to the audit, and not all of the cases submitted had complete clinical data. The audit only collected data on the surgeries described above; it did not include all breast cancer surgery, such as breast conservation surgery. Some women who initially have breast conservation surgery will have a further procedure, which may be a mastectomy with or without breast reconstruction.
	The Second Annual Report reported that of cases submitted to the audit, 48% of mastectomy patients were offered immediate reconstruction. The audit collected data by NHS trust and cancer network.

Breast Cancer: Surgery

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women aged (a) 49 years and under, (b) 50 to 59, (c) 60 to 69, (d) 70 to 79 and (e) over 80 years had mastectomies in each (i) cancer network and (ii) primary care trust in the latest year for which figures are available.

Paul Burstow: The information is not available in the format requested. A table of information on count of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) for females, where there was a primary or secondary procedure or intervention of mastectomy, has been placed in the Library.
	A table of information on count of FCEs for females where there was a primary or secondary procedure or intervention of mastectomy and a primary diagnosis of breast cancer has also been placed in the Library.
	The information is provided by primary care trust of residence and for the requested age groups. Information is not available by cancer networks. The latest available information is for 2009-10.

Cancer: Drugs

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in Bolton have accessed drugs through the Cancer Drugs Fund to date.

Paul Burstow: The Department does not hold the information requested.
	The Cancer Drugs Fund was launched on 1 April 2011 to help thousands of cancer patients access the drugs their clinicians believe will help them. We made an additional £50 million available to strategic health authorities in 2010-11 which has already helped over 2,400 patients in England to access the cancer drugs their clinicians recommended.

Cancer: Health Services

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the National Cancer Information Network's equality metrics; and how these metrics are being utilised by his Department to tackle cancer inequalities;
	(2)  what progress his Department has made in providing information to pathfinder GP consortia on the equality and inequality characteristics of their cancer populations.

Paul Burstow: The National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) established the Equalities Portal in March 2010, bringing together a range of equality metrics. The aim is to support local services in commissioning cancer services that are appropriate for their local populations. Since its launch the Portal has been accessed over 2,150 times. The content of the Portal is currently arranged by primary care trust (PCT), and the NCIN is committed to ensure the portal reflects the new commissioning arrangements.
	The National Cancer Action Team (NCAT) is raising the importance of reducing inequalities and promoting equality in their early discussions with emerging pathfinder general practice (GP) consortia. The NCAT will be discussing with them what equality metrics might be useful as part of the information analyses that the NCIN can provide for GP consortia.

Carers

Malcolm Wicks: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what proportion of carers have received a carer’s assessment under the provisions of the Carers Act 1995 in each (a) region and (b) local authority area.

Paul Burstow: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care collects and publishes information on the number of carers in receipt of an assessment (separately and jointly) with the cared-for person. The proportion of carers receiving an assessment cannot be provided as the total number of carers, including those that are not known to a local authority, is not collected centrally.
	The following table shows the data available for the number of carers in England who received an assessment or review separately or jointly in 2009-10, by region and local authority area.
	
		
			 The number of carers in England who received an assessment or review separately or jointly in 2009-10, by region and local authority area— England 2009-10 
			 Government office region Number of carers assessed or reviewed separately Number of carers assessed or reviewed jointly with the client Total 
			 England 148,660 266,645 415,305 
			     
			 North East 7,390 23,110 30,505 
			 Durham 360 4,220 4,580 
			 Northumberland 720 3,805 4,525 
			 Darlington 90 1,065 1,155 
			 Hartlepool 1,970 0 1,970 
			 Middlesbrough 1,955 0 1,955 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 1,020 180 1,195 
			 Stockton-on-Tees 415 960 1,370 
			 Gateshead 70 1,950 2,020 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 40 1,570 1,610 
			 North Tyneside 235 2,560 2,790 
			 South Tyneside 360 1,685 2,045 
			 Sunderland 160 5,125 5,285 
			     
			 North-West 21,055 41,010 62,060 
			 Cumbria 1,610 2,935 4,540 
			 Lancashire 2,400 6,450 8,850 
			 Blackburn 215 1,155 1,370 
		
	
	
		
			 Blackpool 180 635 815 
			 Cheshire East 405 1,175 1,580 
			 Cheshire West and Chester 515 2,250 2,765 
			 Halton 1,155 385 1,540 
			 Warrington 220 2,325 2,545 
			 Bolton 870 1,335 2,205 
			 Bury 1,050 0 1,050 
			 Knowsley 815 915 1,735 
			 Liverpool 1,120 2,255 3,380 
			 Manchester 2,455 780 3,235 
			 Oldham 140 1,395 1,540 
			 Rochdale 430 2,380 2,810 
			 Salford 290 2,410 2,705 
			 Sefton 1,170 2,665 3,830 
			 St Helens 70 2,260 2,325 
			 Stockport 175 2,285 2,460 
			 Tameside 1,865 2,190 4,055 
			 Trafford 2,530 15 2,545 
			 Wigan 870 1,110 1,980 
			 Wirral 505 1,700 2,200 
			     
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 17,690 22,775 40,465 
			 North Yorkshire 3,910 2,095 6,005 
			 East Riding 2,395 205 2,600 
			 Kingston-upon-Hull 170 2,695 2,860 
			 North East Lincolnshire 1,290 180 1,470 
			 North Lincolnshire 950 40 990 
			 York 640 835 1,475 
			 Barnsley 385 1,290 1,680 
			 Bradford 120 3,770 3,890 
			 Calderdale 35 1,905 1,940 
			 Doncaster 555 1,220 1,775 
			 Kirklees 2,335 1,625 3,960 
			 Leeds 2,080 1,395 3,475 
			 Rotherham 565 1,465 2,035 
			 Sheffield 970 3,375 4,345 
			 Wakefield 1,285 685 1,970 
			     
			 East Midlands 12,720 15,260 27,980 
			 Derbyshire 1,125 3,850 4,975 
			 Leicestershire 520 4,400 4,920 
			 Lincolnshire 2,410 840 3,250 
			 Northamptonshire 3,450 40 3,490 
			 Nottinghamshire 3,855 2,340 6,195 
			 Derby 320 1,460 1,780 
			 Leicester 795 1,135 1,930 
			 Nottingham 95 490 585 
			 Rutland 145 705 850 
			     
			 West Midlands 20,440 25,770 46,205 
			 Staffordshire 2,220 1,760 3,980 
			 Warwickshire 1,305 5,535 6,840 
			 Worcestershire 2,340 2,305 4,645 
			 Shropshire 1,645 495 2,140 
			 Herefordshire 885 380 1,265 
		
	
	
		
			 Stoke-on-Trent 425 1,865 2,290 
			 Telford and Wrekin 1,340 225 1,565 
			 Birmingham 5,010 4,935 9,945 
			 Coventry 770 860 1,630 
			 Dudley 640 3,245 3,885 
			 Sandwell 1,665 355 2,020 
			 Solihull 750 1,020 1,775 
			 Walsall 495 2,265 2,760 
			 Wolverhampton 950 510 1,460 
			     
			 South West 12,465 36,710 49,175 
			 Devon 710 6,460 7,170 
			 Dorset 1,685 885 2,570 
			 Gloucestershire 1,040 5,215 6,255 
			 Somerset 1,050 5,805 6,855 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 520 945 1,470 
			 Bournemouth 395 905 1,300 
			 Bristol 1,225 3,835 5,060 
			 Cornwall 1,245 2,385 3,630 
			 Isles of Scilly 5 5 10 
			 North Somerset 615 2,525 3,140 
			 Plymouth 1,240 1,035 2,275 
			 Poole 505 865 1,375 
			 South Gloucestershire 540 1,720 2,260 
			 Swindon 465 495 960 
			 Torbay 370 1,640 2,010 
			 Wiltshire 850 1,990 2,840 
			     
			 Eastern 17,085 24,545 41,630 
			 Cambridgeshire 2,470 0 2,470 
			 Essex 4,360 7,895 12,250 
			 Hertfordshire 1,670 4,465 6,135 
			 Norfolk 3,025 3,390 6,415 
			 Suffolk 2,790 755 3,540 
			 Bedford 415 940 1,355 
			 Central Bedfordshire 770 3,155 3,925 
			 Luton 505 705 1,210 
			 Peterborough 585 1,245 1,830 
			 Southend 360 1,675 2,040 
			 Thurrock 135 325 460 
			     
			 London 20,240 27,775 48,015 
			 Camden 710 605 1,315 
			 Greenwich 430 1,300 1,730 
			 Hackney 545 590 1,130 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 480 600 1,075 
			 Islington 550 585 1,135 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 855 790 1,650 
			 Lambeth 1,370 520 1,890 
			 Lewisham 655 1,640 2,290 
			 Southwark 90 635 725 
			 Tower Hamlets 1,020 845 1,865 
			 Wandsworth 0 695 695 
		
	
	
		
			 Westminster 285 915 1,200 
			 City of London 20 10 30 
			 Barking and Dagenham 1,235 850 2,085 
			 Barnet 485 1,655 2,140 
			 Bexley 630 1,150 1,775 
			 Brent 1,280 340 1,625 
			 Bromley 495 2,070 2,570 
			 Croydon 665 515 1,180 
			 Ealing 700 995 1,690 
			 Enfield 345 1,760 2,100 
			 Haringey 1,105 0 1,105 
			 Harrow 1,785 1,475 3,260 
			 Havering 290 1,015 1,310 
			 Hillingdon 470 500 970 
			 Hounslow 570 945 1,515 
			 Kingston-upon-Thames 65 1,020 1,085 
			 Merton 370 430 800 
			 Newham 630 890 1,515 
			 Redbridge 285 985 1,270 
			 Richmond upon Thames 280 950 1,230 
			 Sutton 855 385 1,240 
			 Waltham Forest 700 120 820 
			     
			 South East 19,580 49,690 69,270 
			 Buckinghamshire 2,600 0 2,600 
			 East Sussex 3,100 830 3,930 
			 Hampshire 3,390 6,565 9,955 
			 Kent 2,615 20,880 23,495 
			 Oxfordshire 220 3,180 3,400 
			 Surrey 2,185 1,215 3,405 
			 West Sussex 785 5,130 5,915 
			 Bracknell Forest 160 530 690 
			 Brighton and Hove 840 1,210 2,050 
			 Isle of Wight 365 1,180 1,545 
			 Medway Towns 305 300 605 
			 Milton Keynes 320 470 790 
			 Portsmouth 650 740 1,390 
			 Reading 115 1,380 1,500 
			 Slough 1,030 0 1,030 
			 Southampton 100 3,635 3,735 
			 West Berkshire 285 785 1,070 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 350 655 1,005 
			 Wokingham 150 1,005 1,160 
			 Note: Figures are rounded to the nearest five.

Departmental CCTV

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many CCTV cameras are installed in and around his Department’s premises; and how much such cameras cost to (a) install and (b) operate in the latest period for which figures are available.

Simon Burns: The numbers of CCTV cameras in and around the Department's premises are:
	
		
			 Premises Number of cameras 
			 Skipton House 24 
			 Wellington House 16 
			 Richmond House 30 
			 Premier Buildings .8 
		
	
	The costs to install are not known as the equipment has been in place for many years and the costs are not held centrally.
	The operating costs per annum are as follows:
	
		
			 Premises Operating costs (£) 
			 Skipton House 8,923 
			 Wellington House 5,090 
			 Richmond House 5,428 
			 Premier Buildings 553 
		
	
	The costs for the first three buildings also include costs for running the security building pass system, as the costs cannot be shown separately.
	This answer relates only to the buildings for which the Department has direct responsibility.

Continuing Care

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on ensuring full implementation of the National Service Framework for Long-term Conditions; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave her on 28 April 2011, Official Report, column 598W and on 14 March 2011, Official Report, column 76W.

Counselling

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many bodies in the (a) public and (b) voluntary sector provide bereavement counselling.

Paul Burstow: The information is not collected centrally.

Dental Services

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dental laboratories in the UK have (a) closed and (b) merged since 2006.

Simon Burns: This information is not collected centrally.

Dental Services

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to amend the calculation of units of dental activity in his proposals for dental commissioning; and if he will make a statement.

Simon Burns: The Government's coalition programme includes plans to develop a new national dental contract in which remuneration would be based on registration, capitation and quality in place of units of dental activity.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists in (a) North East Derbyshire constituency, (b) Derbyshire, (c) the East Midlands and (d) England are operating under (i) general dental services contracts and (ii) personal dental services agreements.

Simon Burns: The numbers of dentists with national health service activity, by contract type, during the year ending 31 March 2010 are available in Table G2 of Annex 3 of the “NHS Dental Statistics for England: 2009/10” report.
	Information is provided for England by strategic health authority (SHA) and primary care trust (PCT), but is not available by constituency. This information is based on the dental contractual arrangements, introduced on 1 April 2006. This report, published on 18 August 2010, has already been placed in the Library and is also available on the NHS Information Centre website at:
	www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dentalstats0910
	Following a consultation exercise in 2008, this measure is based on a revised methodology and therefore supersedes any previously published work force figures relating to the new dental contractual arrangements. This revised methodology counts the number of dental performers with NHS activity recorded via FP17 claim forms in each year ending 31 March. This revised methodology applies to data published from 2008 onwards and includes 2007 revised data. It is not comparable to the information collected under the old contractual arrangements.
	These published figures relate to a headcount and do not differentiate between full-time and part-time dentists, nor do they account for the fact that some dentists may do more NHS work than others.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many complaints the Care Quality Commission has (a) received and (b) upheld in respect of (i) dentists, (ii) dental nurses, (iii) dental technicians, (iv) dental therapists, (v) dental hygienists, (vi) orthodontic therapists, (vii) clinical dental technicians and (viii) dental practices in each year since its inception;
	(2)  how many patient complaints the Care Quality Commission has received since its inception; and how many of such complaints have been upheld.

Simon Burns: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) does not have responsibility to investigate complaints from patients and service users to achieve redress for those who complain. However, CQC does consider any concerns raised by members of the public as part of its regulation of providers of health and adult social care.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  in how many fitness to practice cases brought before the General Dental Council in the last 12 months, how many patients expected to be treated privately; and in such cases, how many prescribers had asked the device supplier to provide a device to the supplier's NHS standard of service as recorded on the returned statement of manufacture;
	(2)  how many fitness to practice cases brought before the General Dental Council involved (a) a dental device or devices made by an untrained person and (b) a dental device made by an untrained person and not discussed and included in a written treatment plan in the last 12 months;
	(3)  how many fitness to practise cases were brought before the General Dental Council in the last 12 months; and in how many such cases patients had not received a written treatment plans from their dentist.

Simon Burns: The General Dental Council is an independent statutory body with responsibility for investigating complaints made to it about the fitness to practise of dentists and, where necessary, for taking action in relation to their registration.
	Information about fitness to practise cases brought before the General Dental Council is not held by the Department.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence his Department has evaluated on any failure of dental technicians to meet required standards for their work.

Simon Burns: The Department has not undertaken any such evaluation. The Medicines and Health products Regulatory Agency is ready to examine, and follow up as appropriate, any reports submitted which suggest that a dental appliance may not have been manufactured to the standards set in the European Council medical devices directive.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the average cost to a dental practice of providing a patient with a statement of conformity for a dental appliance;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the cost to dental laboratories of producing a statement of conformity for a dental appliance;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the cost to (a) dental practitioners and (b) the public purse of requiring dental technicians to produce a statement of conformity for dental appliances.

Simon Burns: No estimate has been made of the cost of dental technicians producing the custom-made device statement of conformity with the requirements of the EU medical devices directive, and dentists making this available to patients who request it.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what powers the General Dental Council has to determine whether a case in which a statement of conformity of a dental appliance was not provided should be referred for potential prosecution.

Simon Burns: Section 36N(2) of the Dentists Act 1984 provides that the criteria by which a dentist's fitness to practise shall be regarded as “impaired” include by reason of deficient professional performance. Whether or not the General Dental Council (GDC) would consider that failure to provide a statement of conformity of a dental appliance constitutes deficient professional performance would depend on the individual circumstances of the case.
	Where there are concerns about the fitness to practise of a dentist, the registrar of the GDC has powers to investigate the allegation and refer the allegation to the Investigating Committee. The registrar may also, if he considers it appropriate, refer the allegation to the Interim Orders Committee. The Medicines and Health products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) would also have an interest. The MHRA is responsible for enforcement of the medical devices directive, which requires that dentists inform patients that they may receive a copy of the statement that the dental laboratory will have issued with an appliance confirming that it complies with directive.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what proportion of dental crowns for UK patients were manufactured (a) outside the UK and (b) in non-European economic area countries in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many crowns for patients receiving dental treatment on the NHS were obtained from overseas suppliers in the latest period for which figures are available.

Simon Burns: This information is not collected centrally.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dental device suppliers his Department found not to have been registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the last 12 months.

Simon Burns: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's (MHRA’s) devices enforcement unit has found two instances of dental device manufacturers failing to register with them in accordance with that requirement under the medical devices directive and United Kingdom implementing regulations in the fast 12 months.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to monitor the adequacy of (a) dental restoration work and (b) dental appliances.

Simon Burns: The Government plan to develop a new national dental contract based on registration, capitation and quality. There will be a range of pilots to test a quality and outcomes framework in dental practice, and to develop and refine the systems, which we can use to monitor quality and outcomes.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the regulatory mechanism is which ensures that dental restorations and appliances meet UK standards.

Simon Burns: If dental appliances or restorative materials are supplied to dental practices within the countries of the European Union, they must be Communauté Européenne (CE) marked in accordance with the standards set in Council Directive 93/42/EEC concerning medical devices.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many dental devices were made for UK patients by untrained dental technicians in each of the last five years; and in how many such cases the status of the manufacturing technician was recorded in the patients' notes;
	(2)  how many dental devices were made for UK patients by dental technicians trained to a level recognised by the General Dental Council in each of the last five years;
	(3)  how many dental devices were made for dental patients in each of the last five years.

Simon Burns: Information on dental devices made by trained and untrained dental technicians is not collected centrally.
	Information on how many dental devices were made for dental patients is not available in the format requested, but Band three Courses of Treatments (CoTs) include complex treatments (such as crowns, dentures and bridges) in addition to Band one and Band two work. A single Band three CoT can include a provision of more than one appliance/device.
	Information on the numbers of Band three CoTs is included within Table C3 of Annex 3 of the ‘NHS Dental Statistics for England—2010-11 Third quarterly report’. Information is available for 2006-07 and, by quarter, for 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10 and provisional data for the first three quarters of 2010-11.
	This report, published on 19 May 2011 has been placed in the Library and is also available on the NHS Information Centre website at:
	www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dentalstats1011q3

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many trained dental technicians are working in the UK.

Simon Burns: We understand that currently there are 6,998 dental technicians in the United Kingdom registered with the General Dental Council.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what discussions his Department has had with the NHS Counter Fraud Service on steps to improve compliance with schedule 3(a) of the NHS (Dental Charges) Regulations 2005;
	(2)  on how many occasions his Department recorded a breach of schedule 3(a) of the NHS (Dental Charges) Regulations 2005 in each of the last five years.

Simon Burns: The Department has had no discussions with NHS Protect, who have responsibility for anti-fraud work in the national health service, on compliance with schedule 3(a) in particular nor does the Department maintain a central record of all breaches of individual elements of the NHS (Dental Charges) Regulations 2005. Any such breaches would normally be investigated and resolved locally by the responsible primary care trust, who would only involve staff from NHS Protect if the circumstances suggested that fraudulent activity might be involved.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on encouraging UK dentists to use UK-based laboratory technicians.

Simon Burns: Choice of supplier is within the discretion of general dental practitioners, most of whom are independent contractors. However, we wish there to be a clear line of accountability and we were encouraged by guidance the General Dental Council (GDC) issued in March 2001 as “Standards on commissioning and manufacturing dental appliances”. The guidance indicates that if dentists decide to prescribe or sub-contract the manufacture of a dental appliance outside of the United Kingdom and do not use a dental technician registered with the GDC they will be held professionally accountable for the safety and quality of the appliance. The guidance is available at:
	www.gdc-uk.org/newsandpublications/publications/Pages/default.aspx
	and a copy has been placed in the Library.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what financial assistance his Department and its predecessor have provided to dental technology training in each of the last five years.

Simon Burns: Core funding for dental technology training is provide by the Higher Education Funding Council for England for graduate level courses at universities and by the Skills Funding Agency for courses at Further Education Colleges. The Department has supplemented this funding on two special projects. Over the period 2005-06 to 2007-08 the Department paid a bursary of £2,000 per trainee to those dental laboratories which were providing placements for trainees preparing for a qualification in dental technology that would make them eligible for registration with the General Dental Council. The total sums involved were as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
			 2005-06 186,000 
			 2006-07 292,000 
			 2007-08 354,000 
		
	
	In addition, in 2007-08, the Department made a grant of £15,000 to the Dental Laboratories Association to contribute to the development of distance learning for trainee dental technicians.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dental schools provide dental technology training; and how many places were offered in each training institution in each year since 2006.

Simon Burns: Information held centrally shows that dental technology training is currently provided at Manchester University and Leeds University and also at the following colleges of further education: Castle College Nottingham, Liverpool Community College, Lambeth College London, Matthew Boulton College Birmingham and Sheffield City College. Information is not collected on the number of places available.

Dental Services: Standards

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what restrictions are placed on the production in its entirety of a dental device by an untrained dental technician.

Simon Burns: Guidance issued by the General Dental Council on the Scope of Practice of dentists and dental care professionals reserves the verification and quality control of dental devices leaving a laboratory to registered dental technicians. The guidance is available at:
	.pdf

Dentistry: Pay

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on the introduction of NHS salaries for dentists.

Simon Burns: We have not received any representations since taking office. Most general dental practitioners are self-employed, independent contractors, which is an arrangement which patients find convenient, and which most dentists seem to prefer.

Departmental Assets

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the monetary value of land and buildings, including NHS land and buildings, his Department expects to dispose of by sale in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14.

Simon Burns: As part of the spending review 2010 settlement, the Department agreed with HM Treasury forecasts of future fixed asset sales. These estimates include all fixed asset sales from the national health service, the Department and arm’s length bodies. They also include all other fixed assets as well as land and buildings.
	The estimates span the entire spending review period from 2011-12 to 2014-15 and are shown in the following table.
	NHS and foundation trusts are directly responsible for the disposal of their assets and decisions to sell are made by them locally. The Department and arm’s length bodies make decisions on the disposal of land and buildings in line with Government policy.
	
		
			 Forecast fixed asset sales agreed in spending review 2010 
			  Fixed asset sale forecasts (  £ million  ) 
			 2011-12 219 
			 2012-13 187 
			 2013-14 193 
			 2014-15 183

Departmental Manpower

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) special advisers and (b) press officers were employed by his Department in 2010-11; and at what cost to the public purse.

Simon Burns: I refer the hon. Member to the latest data release on the Cabinet Office website. This lists the names and pay bands of the special advisers in post at various times, and their actual salaries where these are £58,200 or higher. This is published together with details of the special advisers' pay ranges for 2010-11, and the total pay bill cost of special advisers in each period. These publications can be found at:
	www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/special-adviser-data-releases
	As at the end of March 2011, the Department's media centre employed 33 full-time and one part-time press officers, equating to 33.73 full-time equivalent press officers. The cost to the public purse was £1,371,144.

Drugs: Prisoners

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prisoners were prescribed (a) methadone and (b) other substitutes for illegal drugs in each year since 2007; and what the cost to his Department was of providing such treatment in each such year.

Paul Burstow: Data are available on the number of clinical drug interventions provided in prisons for drug dependency since 2007-08.
	In 2007-08, a total of 58,809 prisoners received a clinical drug intervention. Of these, 46,291 (79%) received detoxification and 12,518 (21%) a maintenance prescription for opioid dependency of either methadone or buprenorphine.
	In 2008-09, a total of 64,767 prisoners received a clinical drug intervention. Of these 45,135 (69%) received detoxification and 19,632 (31%) received a maintenance prescription for opioid dependency of either methadone or buprenorphine.
	In 2009-10, a total of 60,067 prisoners received a clinical drug intervention. Of these 36,323 (61%) received detoxification and 23,744 (39%) received a maintenance prescription for opioid dependency of either methadone or buprenorphine(1).
	Data on the costs of prescribing methadone and other substitutes are not collected centrally. Since 2006, the national health service has been responsible for the commissioning of clinical services in prisons, including the administration of medicines. Individual budgetary costs are therefore the concern of local NHS primary care trusts (PCTs).
	The Integrated Drug Treatment System (IDTS) in prisons provides evidence-based treatment tailored to the needs of the prisoner. The programme includes abstinence, but all treatments are aimed at getting the person off drugs.
	From April 2009, all adult prisons received funding (£39.7 million from the Department, £6 million from the Ministry of Justice) for the implementation of the enhanced clinical drug treatment and psychosocial components of IDTS.
	The IDTS aims to increase the volume and quality of treatment available to prisoners, with particular emphasis on early custody, and to improve integration between clinical and counselling, assessment, referral and throughcare services and to reinforce continuity of care from the community into prison, between prisons, and on release into the community.
	(1) National Offender Management Service prisons key performance indicators system

Health Professions: Regulation

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what method his Department plans to use to ensure that all healthcare science workforce disciplines are represented in its cost-benefit risk analysis on the regulation of the healthcare science workforce;
	(2)  when he expects to appoint the team to conduct the evidence-based cost-benefit risk analysis to inform the appropriate model of regulation for the healthcare science workforce; by what date he expects the report's recommendations to be published; and which stakeholders will be consulted.

Anne Milton: Following the publication of the Command Paper “Enabling Excellence”, no cost-benefit risk analysis of the case for introducing compulsory statutory regulation of the health care scientist workforce is now planned by the Department at this time. For those groups of health care scientists that the Health Professions Council has previously recommended for statutory regulation, assured voluntary registration is the preferred option.

Health Services: Older People

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will assess the effect of the provisions of the Health and Social Care Bill on meeting the health care needs of older people.

Paul Burstow: A full equality impact assessment was published alongside the Bill on 19 January 2011 and has already been placed in the Library; and on the Department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsLegislation/DH_123583
	In carrying out the equality impact assessment of the Health and Social Care Bill, the Department considered all the relevant protected characteristics, including age, covered by the Equality Act 2010 in accordance with good practice guidance from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.

Health: Social Isolation

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the potential effect of loneliness and social isolation on recovery rates from (i) cardiovascular disease, (ii) cancer and (iii) mental health conditions.

Simon Burns: The Department has not commissioned or evaluated any research specifically on the potential effect of loneliness and social isolation on recovery rates from cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental health conditions.

Heart Disease

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the principal risk factors contributing to heart disease, listed accorded to the assessed level of risk;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the cost to the economy of heart disease in the most recent 12 months for which figures are available;
	(3)  what the rate of incidence of heart disease in each local authority area was in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(4)  what recent assessment he has made of the position of England in international comparative tables for the (a) treatment and (b) survival of heart disease.

Simon Burns: There are important modifiable risk factors, for heart disease, which are smoking, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and obesity. There are also a number of fixed risk factors—age, sex, ethnicity and family history. These risk factors are also linked to a wider group of diseases such as stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.
	The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance to the national health service on the management of a number of conditions associated with cardiovascular disease, including some guidance on cardiovascular disease at a population level which looks at the risk factors. The document “Prevention of cardiovascular disease at population level” can be found on NICE’s website at:
	www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/13024/49273/49273.pdf
	The NHS Health Check programme is a universal and systematic programme for people in England between the ages of 40 to 74 that assesses individuals’ risk of vascular disease and will support people to reduce or manage that risk through individually tailored advice and support.
	We do not hold any information centrally about the cost to the economy of heart disease in the most recent 12 months.
	The Department commissioned the South East Public Health Observatory to develop cardiovascular profiles at regional and primary care trust/local authority level. These profiles provide a wide range of information, including on the incidence of heart disease in each area. They are intended to inform commissioning and planning decisions and enable commissioners to target resources most effectively to tackle cardiovascular disease and improve the health of local communities. They can be found at:
	www.sepho.org.uk/CVDprofiles.aspx
	We do not hold information centrally on the position of England in international comparative tables for the treatment and survival of heart disease. The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery has published information on trends of activity and outcomes in cardio-thoracic surgery internationally. This is available at:
	http://kingsfund.koha-ptfs.eu/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=96807

Hospital Wards: Standards

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which 100 wards had the worst health outcomes in the latest period for which figures are available.

Nick Hurd: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated May 2011
	As Director General for ONS, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking which 100 wards had the worst health outcomes in the latest period for which figures are available. (56847)
	Official statistics are available at ward level on a small number of health outcomes, such as all-cause mortality, life expectancy and self-reported health status. Health expectancies such as healthy life expectancy and disability-free life expectancy are widely accepted as summary measures of health outcomes, since they combine estimates of mortality with self-perceived general health or limiting long-standing illness. Because of the small populations involved, ward level figures are available only around census years and data for several years have to be aggregated.
	Tables 1 to 3 provide healthy life expectancy at birth for the 100 wards with the lowest estimates for males (Table 1), females (Table 2) and all persons (Table 3) for 1999-2003 (the only period available). Healthy life expectancy is the average number of years a newborn baby would live in 'Good' or 'Fairly good' health if he or she experienced the area's age-specific mortality and morbidity rates for that time period throughout his or her life.
	Tables 4 to 6 provide disability-free life expectancy at birth for the 100 wards with the lowest estimates for males (Table 4), females (Table 5) and all persons (Table 6) for 1999-2003 (the only period available). Disability-free life expectancy is the average number of years a newborn baby would live free from a limiting illness or disability if he or she experienced the area's age-specific mortality and morbidity rates for that time period throughout his or her life.
	Copies of Tables 1 to 6 have been placed in the House of Commons Library.

Macular Degeneration: Drugs

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost to the NHS was of the prescription of ranibizumab (Lucentis) for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration in each of the last two years.

Paul Burstow: The following table shows the cost of ranibizumab dispensed in hospitals and the community for 2009 and 2010.
	
		
			 Ranibizumab dispensed in hospitals and in the community in England  (1) 
			 Cost (£000) 
			  Hospital  (2, 3, 4) Community  (5) 
			 2009 94,694.8 0.8 
			 2010 128,717.0 2.3 
			 Notes:  (1) Ranibizumab is only licensed for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. (2) Figures based on a sample and costed using standard price lists, either the drug tariff or, if the drug is not listed, the drug manufacturer’s price list. The figures therefore do not necessarily represent the actual amounts paid by the hospitals. (3) Data includes all drugs dispensed in national health service hospitals regardless of patient, so will include drugs dispensed to private patients in private wards within NHS hospitals as long as they have been dispensed via the hospital pharmacy. The extent of this varies from hospital to hospital. (4) National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance recommended ranibizumab on the condition that the manufacturer offers a patient access scheme. Under the scheme, the cost of ranibizumab beyond 14 injections in the treated eye is met by the manufacturer. We do not have data on the number of injections provided by the manufacturer under the scheme and therefore the data does not reflect the impact of the scheme. (5) Net ingredient cost of prescription items written in the United Kingdom and dispensed in the community in England. Source: IMS Health: Hospital Pharmacy Audit and Prescription Cost Analysis  system.

Malnutrition

Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to monitor the effect of food prices on rates of malnutrition.

Anne Milton: The Office for National Statistics and the Department's Health and Social Care Information Centre routinely collect data on the increase in food prices through the Consumer Prices Index and Retail Prices Index, and the prevalence of malnutrition through Hospital Episode Statistics. There are no specific plans to monitor the effects of food prices on the rates of malnutrition at present, but the data allows us to monitor future trends.

Mental Health

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the influence of psychosocial factors on the health and well-being of NHS patients.

Simon Burns: There is extensive evidence that psychosocial factors, material circumstance, social environment, behaviours and biological factors are all important influences on health and well-being.
	The Department's National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funds a wide range of research relevant to the relationship between psychosocial factors and the health and well-being of patients.
	Details of projects funded through programmes managed by the NIHR Central Commissioning Facility (CCF) can be found on the CCF website at:
	www.ccf.nihr.ac.uk/Pages/FundedProgrammes.aspx
	Details of projects funded through programmes managed by the NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Centre (NETSCC) can be found on the NETSCC website at:
	www.netscc.ac.uk/
	Details of studies hosted by the NIHR Clinical Research Network can be found on the UK Clinical Research Network portfolio database at:
	http://public.ukcrn.org.uk/search
	Details of research funded by the Policy Research Programme are available on the Department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Researchanddevelopment/Policyresearchprogramme/index.htm

NHS: Middlesbrough

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on NHS services in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency in real terms in each year from May 2005 to April 2010; and how much he expects to be spent in each year from May 2010 to April 2015.

Simon Burns: Information is not available in the format requested. Information on the net operating costs of Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Redcar and Cleveland PCT between 2005-06 and 2009-10 has been set out in the following table. Data for 2010-11 are not yet available. The data provided are historical statutory accounting data.
	
		
			 £000 
			 Organisation 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 
			 Langbaurgh PCT 131,346 — — — — 
			 Middlesbrough PCT 235,822 250,671 253,565 254,872 281,430 
			 Redcar and Cleveland PCT — 171,222 207,875 226,157 246,993 
			 Notes: 1. Information in “real terms” is not collected centrally.  2. The Department collects statutory accounting data annually for each financial year (1 April to 31 March) and the figures provided reflect this. It is not possible to break the figures down by month.  3. Redcar and Cleveland PCT came into existence in the financial year 2006-07 after a merger of Langbaurgh PCT and part of Middlesbrough PCT. Source:  Audited summarisation schedules. 
		
	
	Total revenue allocations for 2010-11 and 2011-12 are shown in the following table.
	
		
			 £ million 
			 Organisation Total revenue allocation 2010-11  (1) Total revenue allocation 2011-12  (2, 3, 4) 
			 Middlesbrough PCT 283.5 291.7 
			 Redcar and Cleveland PCT 254.9 261.8 
			 (1 )2010-11 allocations shown in the table are 2010-11 published allocations adjusted for the locally agreed transfer from PCTs to local authorities of funding and commissioning responsibility for the social care of people with learning disabilities from 2011-12. (2 )In December 2010, PCTs were informed of their total 2011-12 revenue allocations which include:  2011-12 recurrent revenue allocations; and  non-recurrent allocations for primary dental services, pharmaceutical services and general ophthalmic services.  Allocations for support for joint working between health and social care were announced separately in 2010-11. (3 )Total revenue allocations refer to the allocations listed above. This is the main funding source for PCTs. (4 )Comparisons between allocation years cannot as a rule be made as allocations were not made on a like for like basis. The 2010-11 figures have been especially adjusted to make them more comparable with those  for 2011-12. Source:  PCT Allocations, Department of Health 
		
	
	PCT recurrent revenue allocations for 2012-13 will be announced as soon as is practical this year.
	Subject to the passing of the Health and Social Care Bill and the outcome of the current listening exercise, it is intended that from 2013-14 the National Health Service Commissioning Board will take over responsibility from the Department for commissioning guidelines and the allocation of resources. It would be for the NHS Commissioning Board to decide how best to allocate resources in a way that supports the principle of securing equivalent access to NHS services relative to the prospective burden of disease and disability.

Nutrition

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the (a) levels of and (b) trends in the daily calorific intake of (i) men and (ii) women in the latest period for which figures are available; and what proportion of the average intake in that period comprised of saturated fats.

Anne Milton: Average daily calorie (energy) and saturated fat intakes for adults are available from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Information is available on intakes for men and women for 2000-01 and 2008-09.
	Total energy intake for men has fallen slightly, but for women has remained broadly similar. In 2000-01 intake for men was 2,308 kcal/day and for women was 1,635 kcal/day. In 2008-09 intake for men was 2,255 kcal/day and for women was 1,645 kcal/day.
	Saturated fat intake provided 13% of food energy for men and 12.6% of food energy for women in 2008-09. The contribution of saturated fat to energy intakes has fallen slightly in both men and women since the last survey of this age group in 2000-01, but for both still exceeds the recommended level of no more than 11% of food energy.

Obesity

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has commissioned on the (a) physical and (b) psychological causes of obesity.

Simon Burns: The Department's National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and Policy Research Programme (PRP) fund a wide range of research relating to the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity.
	The Southampton NIHR Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle Biomedical Research Unit conducts research on how nutrition, diet and lifestyle affect the later risk of diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
	The NIHR Health Technology Assessment and Public Health Research programmes are funding evaluations of interventions to prevent obesity, including a £2.7 million trial of an obesity prevention intervention in primary school age children.
	Details of projects funded through programmes managed by the NIHR Central Commissioning Facility (CCF) can be found on the CCF website at:
	www.ccf.nihr.ac.uk/Pages/FundedProgrammes.aspx
	Details of projects funded through programmes managed by the NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Centre (NETSCC) can be found on the NETSCC website at:
	www.netscc.ac.uk/
	Details of studies hosted by the NIHR Clinical Research Network can be found on the UK Clinical Research Network portfolio database at:
	http://public.ukcrn.org.uk/search
	Details of research funded by the PRP are available on the Department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Researchanddevelopment/Policyresearchprogramme/index.htm

Research

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what (a) longitudinal and (b) other (i) research and (ii) collection of data his Department has (A) initiated, (B) terminated and (C) amended in the last 12 months; and what such research and data collection exercises undertaken by the Department have not been amended in that period.

Simon Burns: The Department has not initiated, terminated or amended any longitudinal research in the last 12 months. Details of longitudinal and other research funded by the Department's Policy Research programme are available on the Department's website at:
	http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Researchanddevelopment/Policyresearchprogramme/index.htm
	The Department also funds programmes of research in the national health service (NHS) through the National Institute for Health Research, with an annual budget of around £1 billion.
	Ongoing NHS data collections initiated through ROCR (Review of Central Returns) process during period May 2010—April 2011:
	A and E (Accident and Emergency) Clinical Quality Indicators
	Cancer Patients' Experience Survey
	Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Dataset
	Community Information Dataset
	Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)
	Mixed Sex Accommodation Monthly Return
	National Children's and Young Person's Dataset
	National Health Service (NHS) Health Check Dataset
	Patient Environment Action Team (PEAT) Inspection Programme
	One-off NHS data collections initiated through ROCR process during period May 2010-April 2011:
	Commissioned National and Local Enhanced Services
	Memory Services for National Dementia Audit
	Programme Budgeting—tariff based collection
	Ongoing NHS data collections amended through ROCR process during period May 2010-April 2011:
	Chlamydia Core Dataset
	Community Mental Health Activity
	Estates Return Information Collection (ERIC)
	General Ophthalmic Services—Sight Tests
	Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)—Key Performance Indicators
	KA34 Performance and Clinical Quality Indicator
	Mental Health Minimum Dataset v4
	National Joint Registry
	Programme Budgeting
	Summary of Genitourinary Medicine clinics
	Ongoing NHS data collections terminated through ROCR process in period May 2010-April 2011:
	Database of Countermeasures
	Database of nominated recipients at all General Practitioners (GPs)—NHS (National Health Service) Choices
	Direct Access Audiology weekly PTL (Patient Treatment List)
	Expert Patient Programme (EPP) Self Management Courses
	Financial Information Systems (FIS), Family Health Services (FHS) General Ophthalmic Service
	General Pharmaceutical Council Awareness and perceptions Tracking (Opinion Survey)
	GP Premises Data Collection
	HRG4 (Healthcare Resource Groups) Grouper User Optional Survey
	Junior Doctor's Hours
	Monitoring extended GP practice opening hours
	National Children's Health Service Mapping
	NHS Campus Closure
	NHS Constitution Research: Wave 2
	NHS Staff Engagement and attitudes towards the NHS
	Notification of partnership intentions between Health Services and Local Authorities using Section 75
	PCT (Primary Care Trust) Controlled Drug Officers contact details
	Practice Engagement in practice based commissioning
	Swine Flu vaccine uptake data from GP registered patients
	Three year funding for third sector organisations
	TOP Slice (Treatment Outcomes Profile)
	Update of five clinical Directed Enhanced Services (DES)
	18 weeks referral to Treatment PTL
	NHS data collections recorded and approved through ROCR process which existed in the period but which do not fall into any of the above three categories:
	Abortion Statistics
	18 Weeks Performance Sharing Report
	18 Weeks Referral to Treatment (RTT) Times Monthly Data Collection
	2012 Olympic Delivery Assurance
	Investment in Mental Health Services for Adults
	Adult Screening Programme: Breast Cancer (PCT return) (KC63)
	Adult Screening Programme: Breast Screening (Screening Unit return) (KC62)
	Adult Screening Programmes: Cervical Screening (KC53)
	Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards (ACCEA)—Collection of non-Electronic Staff Record (ESR) items
	Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards (ACCEA)—Employer Based Awards Reports
	Annual Census of Non-Principal Genera! Medical Practitioners
	Annual Hospital and Community Health Service (HCHS) non-medical workforce census
	Annual medical and dental workforce census
	Annual NHS Vacancy Collection
	Annual Statement of Fire Safety
	Attribution Data Set (ADS)
	Bed availability and occupancy (KH03)
	Central Alerting System (CAS)
	Charges for excess balances held in commercial bank accounts (FIS9) exercise
	Childhood Immunisation Programme (KC50)
	Collection of Influenza vaccine update data—immunisation of poultry workers
	Collection of Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPV) uptake in the 65 and over population data
	Colposcopy clinics, referrals, treatments and outcomes (KC65)
	Critical Care Minimum Dataset
	Database to monitor use of Immunoglobulin
	Diagnostic Departments: Radiology, nuclear medicine and medical physics.
	Diagnostics Waiting Times and Activity Data Collection
	Direct Access Audiology Monthly
	Emergency Continuity Business Preparedness
	Equity ownership of special purpose vehicles in Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes
	Financial Monitoring and Accounts
	Fire Incidents and Unwanted Fire Signal Data
	General Medical Practitioners annual Census collection.
	General Ophthalmic Services: Workforce Statistics for England and Wales—Annual Return of Practitioners and Premises
	General Practice (including dental) written complaints (K041b)
	General Practitioners Practice Vacancy Survey
	Genito-Urinary Medicine 48 Hour Access Target Monthly Monitoring (GUMAMM)
	Health Care Worker Seasonal Flu
	Health Checks for people with learning disabilities
	Health of the Population Return (HotPR)
	Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS) Complaints (KO41A)
	Human papilloma virus (HPV) immunisation programme - vaccine monitoring minimum dataset—Including Catch up Programme Return
	Informal Patients and Patients detained under the Mental Health Act: The Number of Uses of the Act
	Information sharing between key hospitals and Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) as part of the Tackling Knives Action Programme (TKAP)
	Integrated Drug Treatment System for prisons Clinical Activity
	Open and Staffed Adult Critical Care Beds (KH03a)
	Mandatory surveillance of healthcare associated infection (HCAI) for orthopaedic surgical site infection (SSIs)
	Mandatory surveillance of healthcare associated infections (HCAI)—Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia, glycopeptide resistant enterococci (GRE) bacteremia, total blood cultures.
	Mental Capacity Act 2005 Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (MCA DOLS) monitoring data collection
	Monitoring Revisions to new GP Contract—Financial Information Monitoring System (RMS) Family Health Services (FHS)4 and PCT Financial Return (PFR1A-D) data collection from PCTs 2006-7
	Monitoring use of additional investment provided to support implementation of the End of Life Care Strategy in 2009-10
	Monthly Activity Flow
	National Cancer Dataset Waiting times subset
	National Cancer Registration Dataset
	National Capabilities Survey
	National Child Measurement Programme
	National Drug Treatment Monitoring System
	National Maternity Services Data Set (NMDS)
	National Renal Dataset
	National Survey of Patient Experience
	Neonatal Critical Care Minimum Dataset (NCCMDS)
	NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS Funded Nursing Care
	NHS Pharmaceutical Services (PHS1)
	NHS Stop Smoking Services Quarterly Monitoring Return
	NHS Trust—Financial Returns (6 TFR Forms)—to include TFR6 Ambulance Services Expenditure (£000)—England
	Non-medical Device Defects and Failures Reporting System
	Paediatric Critical Care Minimum Dataset (PCCMDS)
	Pathology laboratories—cervical cytology and outcome of gynaecological referrals (KC61)
	Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs)
	Patient Safety and Healthcare Incidents
	Pharmex: electronic collection of hospital pharmacy purchasing data
	Practice engagement in practice based commissioning (PBC): PBC leads survey
	Primary Care Trust—Financial Returns (PFR 5 Forms)
	Prison Health, Performance and Quality Indicators
	Quarterly Monitoring of Accident and Emergency (QMAE)
	Quarterly Activity return
	Quarterly Monitoring of Cancelled operations
	Radiotherapy Contract Data Set (RT CDS)
	Recording and reporting data about necessary and planned treatment of overseas visitors from the European Economic Area (EEA)
	Redundancy Data Collection
	Reference Costs Collection
	Seasonal flu vaccine uptake
	Seasonal flu vaccine uptake in Health Care Workers
	Sexual and Reproductive Health Activity Dataset
	Sitreps weekly and daily
	Specialist Palliative Care Workforce Data Collection
	Statement on Internal Controls data collection
	Strategic Health Authority—Analysis of Expenditure by Type (5 Human Resources (HFR) Forms)
	Surplus Land for Housing
	Secondary Uses Service (SUS) Payments By Results (PBR) Local Tariff Collection
	Vaccination and immunisation data return collected through the Cover of Vaccination Evaluated Rapidly (COVER)
	Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Risk Assessment
	Vital Signs
	Vital Signs Monitoring Returns
	Vital Signs Monitoring Returns—continuation of lines
	Notes:
	1. All information is based on collections of data commissioned by the Department and approved through the ROCR process.
	2. Community Information Dataset was approved in the time period, but licence doesn't start until January 2012.
	3. The only one-off collections that are included are those granted approval within the specific period.
	4. All one off collections are granted one year licences regardless of the point in the year that they are approved.
	5. Some collections are referred to by their reference i.e. KH03, KA34.
	6. The IAPT collection will continue in 2012, whilst the IAPT-KPI collection is expected to be discontinued at that point.
	Source:
	ROCR, The Health and Social Care Information Centre

Southern Cross Healthcare

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on Southern Cross care homes since 21 March 2011; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Burstow: I met the hon. Gentleman on 21 March to discuss his concerns.
	Southern Cross has plans in place to restructure its business and ensure that services and quality are maintained and has informed Government officials about these plans.
	The issue is the subject of regular discussion between officials in the relevant Departments, including the Department for Communities and Local Government. They will then brief and update their respective Ministers as they see fit.
	The Government will continue to keep in close touch with the situation and will work with local authorities, the Care Quality Commission and others to ensure there is an effective response, which delivers protection to everyone affected.

Spinal Injuries: Continuing Care

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people with a spinal cord injury are receiving continuing care in their own home.

Paul Burstow: This information is not collected centrally. Eligibility for national health service continuing health care does not depend on a specific health condition. It is the extent of the individual's assessed primary health care needs, and the care required to meet those needs, rather than diagnosis, that determine eligibility. People can move in and out of eligibility for NHS continuing health care as their needs change.
	The outcome of the assessment for NHS continuing health care should be an agreement about the individual's needs, priorities and preferences for meeting them. Assessors should also take into account the views and contribution of carers when assessing the person in need.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Allotments

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations he has received on the operation of section 23 of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 in respect of the duty of local authorities to provide allotments where there is a demand for them; and if he will make a statement.

Greg Clark: The invitation to respond to the Government's review of statutory duties placed on local authorities has now closed. Responses included representations on allotments.
	The review is intended to make clear, for the first time, the statutory duties placed on each local authority. We do not intend and have never intended to remove local authorities' statutory duties to provide allotments or to remove the requirement for local authorities to seek the Secretary of State's agreement to dispose of allotments or use statutory allotments for other purposes.

Anti-Semitism

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he has taken to tackle anti-Semitism since April 2011; what assessment he has made of the performance of the Cross-Government Working Group to Tackle anti-Semitism; what recent (a) representations he has received from and (b) discussions he has had with Members of the House of Lords on this issue; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Stunell: The Department of Communities and Local Government regularly receives representations from hon. Members of both Houses on issues of anti-Semitism. Since April 2011 a number of meetings and discussions have been held with individuals and organisations to take forward the Government's work to tackle anti-Semitism. The work of the Cross-Government Working Group is regularly assessed to ensure that key actions are followed up and delivered. The Government's latest response to tackling anti-Semitism can be found in the ‘Three Years On Progress Report' which can be found at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/antisemitismresponse

Anti-Semitism

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether officials in his Department with policy responsibility for dealing with anti-Semitism (a) have regular access to and (b) read Jewish weekly newspapers in the course of their official duties; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Stunell: Officials in the Department with responsibility for dealing with anti-Semitism have regular access to Jewish weekly newspapers and read them in the course of their official duties.

Care Homes: Planning Permission

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will assess the merits of requiring (a) planning permission and (b) local consultation for the conversion of a residential dwelling into a children's residential home.

Bob Neill: We announced in “Plan for Growth”, published alongside the Budget, our intention to review how change of use is managed in the planning system. Further details on the review will be published shortly on the Department's website. There will be an opportunity for anyone with an interest in this matter to make representations.

Council Tax Benefits

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether his Department and the Department for Work and Pensions have developed an implementation plan for the localisation of council tax benefit.

Bob Neill: holding answer 23 May 2011
	As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government said in his written ministerial statement on 17 February 2011, Official Report, column 92WS, my Department will, in due course, be undertaking a full consultation on plans for councils to develop local schemes and meet the Government's commitment to retain council tax support for the most vulnerable in society. We will also embark on a round of formal and structured engagement with local authorities and other interested parties, once the consultation is published. Findings from this engagement and responses to the consultation document will be considered in the development of the necessary legislative framework to introduce the new system to replace council tax benefit.
	This reform will create stronger incentives for councils to get people back into work and so support the positive work incentives that will be introduced through the Government's plans on universal credit. Combined with other incentives—such as the New Homes Bonus and our proposals for the local retention of business rates—these changes will give councils a greater stake in the economic future of their local area, so supporting the Government's wider agenda to enable stronger, balanced economic growth across the country.

Departmental Charitable Donations

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he is taking to encourage charitable giving by Ministers in his Department.

Bob Neill: Charitable giving is a personal matter for individuals, although it is encouraged by Government. All Government Ministers have pledged to undertake a “one day challenge” with a charity or community group of their choice. This is a clear and public commitment by Ministers to give their time to help others. The pledge aims to inspire others to consider how they might be able to support their communities to benefit themselves, as well as their chosen organisations.
	As an example of how Ministers are contributing to the wider giving agenda, the Government are strongly supporting initiatives that help to raise aspirations in schools. These include the “Speakers for Schools” initiative, which aims to get inspirational high profile people from a range of backgrounds to speak for free in state schools. The scheme is non-political and has significant cross-party support.

Departmental Data Protection

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many contracts his Department holds which allow contractors to store personal data of UK citizens overseas; to which contracts this applies; in which countries the data for each such contract is held; and how many people have their data stored overseas under each such contract.

Bob Neill: Departmental records show no contracts which allow contractors to store the personal data of UK citizens overseas.

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  on what date special advisers in his Department last used the Government car pool to travel in an official capacity; and on how many occasions a special adviser in his Department has travelled to their home address using the Government car pool since May 2010;
	(2)  how much his Department spent on special advisers' travel by (a) Government car, (b) private hire car, (c) train, (d) bus, (e) commercial aircraft and (f) private aircraft since May 2010.

Bob Neill: No civil servants or special advisers in the Department are entitled to the use of a car with a dedicated driver nor are any entitled to use a car from the ministerial car pool. In line with the practice of previous Administrations, special advisers may accompany Ministers but records are not held. For the avoidance of doubt, no journeys have been made to home addresses.
	For the period from May 2010 to March 2011, amounts spent on special advisers' travel are as follows: taxi—£184.50; train—£345.05 (standard class). There was no expenditure on commercial aircraft, private aircraft, buses or Government cars during this period.
	To provide a comparison, the Department's records show that the following amounts were spent on special advisers' travel during the period July 2009 to March 2010: taxi—£532.99; train—£5,498.13; commercial aircraft—£1,905.20. There was no expenditure on private aircraft, buses or Government cars during this period.
	All travel is governed by the requirements of the civil service management code.

Departmental NDPBs

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether any savings arising from the reduction in the number of his Department's arm's length bodies will be re-allocated; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Neill: We have published details of expected savings made in budgets for the Department's arm’s length bodies at
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/newsroom/1865652
	The Department's spending review settlement reflects these savings.

Domestic Visits

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the date was of each visit by a Minister in his Department on official duties to each local authority area since 1 February 2011.

Bob Neill: holding answer 5 May 2011
	Since 1 February 2011 the following visits by Ministers in DCLG have taken place:
	The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government:
	The Brentwood Borough Council area, on 3 February 2011;
	The Epping Forest District Council area, on 4 February 2011;
	The City of Westminster area, on 9 February 2011;
	The Warwickshire County Council area, on 11 February 2011(1);
	The City of London area, on 1 March 2011;
	The Cardiff City Council area, on 4-5 March 2011(1);
	The Coventry City Council area, on 7 March 2011;
	The Chelmsford Borough Council area, on 11 March 2011;
	The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council area, on 17 March 2011;
	The Brentwood Borough Council area, on 18 March 2011;
	The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council area, on 25 March 2011(1);
	The City of Westminster area, on 31 March 2011;
	The Bedford Borough Council area, on 6 April 2011(1);
	The Nottingham City Council area, on 28 April 2011(1);
	The Reading Borough Council area, on 3 May 2011(1);
	The Manchester City Council area, on 12 May 2011.
	The Minister for Housing and Local Government:
	The London Borough of Islington area, on 1 February 2011;
	The London Borough of Lambeth area, on 2 February 2011;
	The Warwickshire County Council area, on 11 February 2011(1);
	The Buckinghamshire County Council area on 4 March 2011(1);
	The Sunderland City Council area, on 10 March 2011;
	The Newcastle City Council area, 10 March 2011;
	The City of Westminster area, on 22 March 2011;
	The London Borough of Newham area, on 3 May 2011;
	The Bedford Borough Council area, on 3 May 2011(1);
	The Liverpool City Council area, on 9 May 2011;
	The Sefton Council area, on 9 May 2011.
	The Minister for Decentralisation:
	The City of Westminster area, on 2 February, 24 February, 2 March, 7 April and 10 May 2011;
	The Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council area, on 4 February 2011;
	The London Borough of Southwark area, on 10 February 2011 and 10 May 2011;
	The Warwickshire County Council area, on 11 February 2011(1);
	The Ashford Borough Council area, on 18 February 2011(1);
	The Tandbridge District Council area, on 25 February 2011(1);
	The Cardiff City Council area, on 4-5 March 2011(1);
	The Coventry City Council area, on 7 March 2011;
	The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham area, on 15 March 2011(1);
	The Ipswich Borough Council area, on 24 March 2011;
	The Waveney District Council area, on 24 March 2011(1);
	The Durham County Council area, on 25 March 2011;
	The City of London area, on 30 March 2011;
	The Mid Sussex District Council area, on 8 April 2011;
	The London Borough of Barnet area, on 13 April 2011;
	The London Borough of Camden area, on 10 May 2011.
	Bob Neill MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State:
	The London Borough of Wandsworth area, on 7 February 2011(1);
	The Warwickshire County Council area, on 11 February 2011(1);
	The London Borough of Tower Hamlets area, on 16 February 2011;
	The City of London area, on 18 February 2011;
	The Cardiff City Council area, on 4-5 March 2011(1);
	The Gateshead Council area, on 9 March 2011;
	The London Borough of Bexley area, on 15 March 2011;
	The London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames area, on 16 March 2011;
	The London Borough of Newham area, on 17 March 2011;
	The Swale Borough Council area, on 24 March 2011;
	The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead area, on 31 March 2011;
	The London Borough of Newham area, on 5 April 2011.
	Andrew Stunell OBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State:
	The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham area, on 16 February 2011;
	The Bath and Northeast Somerset Council area and Bristol City Council area, on 20 February 2011(1);
	The Mendip District Council area, Taunton Deane Council area, South Somerset District Council area and Purbeck District Council area, on 21 February 2011(1);
	The Trafford Council area on 24 February 2011;
	The Sheffield City Council area and Derby City Council area, on 25 February 2011(1);
	The Chesterfield Borough Council area, on 7 March 2011(1);
	The Milton Keynes Council area on 15 March 2011;
	The Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council area, on 17 March 2011;
	The Manchester City Council area, on 18 March 2011 and 12 April 2011(1);
	The London Borough of Sutton area, on 22 March 2011;
	The Reading Borough Council area, on 28 March 2011(1);
	The Watford Borough Council area, on 31 March 2011;
	The Stoke-on-Trent City Council area and Warrington Borough Council area, on 6 April 2011(1);
	The Newcastle City Council area and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council area, on 7 April 2011(1);
	The Leicester City Council area and Watford Borough Council area, on 11 April 2011(1);
	The Burnley Borough Council area, on 13 April 2011(1);
	The Colchester Borough Council area, on 18 April 2011(1);
	The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council area, on 19 April 2011(1);
	The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham area, on 27 April 2011;
	The Sandwell Council area, on 12 May 2011.
	Baroness Hanham, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State:
	The City of London area, on 3 February 2011;
	The Bristol City Council area, on 10 February 2011;
	The Northumberland County Council area, on 8 March 2011;
	The London Borough of Tower Hamlets area, on 10 March 2011;
	The City of Westminster area, on 11 March 2011;
	The Corby Borough Council area, on 15 March 2011;
	The Leicester City Council area, on 15 March 2011.
	(1) Political visit, included in the interests of transparency.

European Regional Development Fund

Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much funding from the European Regional Development Fund remains to be allocated in each region.

Bob Neill: As at 30 April 2011, the following sums from the 2007-13 European Regional Development Fund programme remained to be allocated:
	
		
			 2007-13 programme area € million 
			 East Midlands 136.23 
			 East of England 59.42 
			 London 50.99 
			 North East 137.84 
			 North West 250.99 
			 South East 11.66 
			 South West (Competitive Programme) 57.10 
			 South West (Convergence Programme) 142.27 
			 West Midlands 232.59 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 348.52 
			 Total for England 1,432.61 
		
	
	Please note that all the figures are in euros because the European Commission allocates European Regional Development Funds in euros.

European Regional Development Fund

Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much funding from the European Regional Development Fund has been (a) contracted and (b) paid to projects in each region to date.

Bob Neill: As at 30 April 2011, the following sums from the 2007-13 European regional development fund programme had been contracted for, and paid to each region:
	
		
			 € million 
			 2007-13 programme area Contracted Paid 
			 East Midlands 132.27 69.07 
			 East of England 51.57 11.86 
			 London 130.90 72.57 
			 North East 237.86 111.22 
			 North West 504.76 267.54 
			 South East 12.05 3.70 
			 South West (Competitive Programme) 67.56 19.85 
			 South West (Convergence Programme) 310.79 116.66 
			 West Midlands 167.31 80.11 
		
	
	
		
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 235.07 115.52 
			 Total for England 1,850.14 868.10 
			 Note: All the figures are in euros because the European Commission allocates European regional development funds in euros.

Fire Services: Crimes of Violence

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many firefighters in each region have been injured as a result of an assault while on duty in each of the last three years.

Bob Neill: Figures for the total number of firefighters injured as a result of assault while on duty are not held centrally.
	Numbers of firefighters injured as a result of an attack en route to or at an incident are available for periods since April 2009. These are shown in the following table by Fire and Rescue Authority and statistical region for 2009-10 and 2010-11.
	
		
			 Numbers of firefighters injured as a result of an attack  (1)   en route to or at an incident, 2009-10 and 2010-11 
			 Statistical region Fire and Rescue Authority 2009-10 2010-11 
			 North West Cheshire 0 0 
			 North West Cumbria 0 0 
			 North West Greater Manchester(2) 0 5 
			 North West Lancashire 0 3 
			 North West Merseyside 1 0 
			 North East Cleveland 0 2 
			 North East Durham 2 1 
			 North East Northumberland 1 0 
			 North East Tyne and Wear 1 0 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside Humberside 1 1 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside North Yorkshire 0 0 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside South Yorkshire 0 0 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside West Yorkshire 4 1 
			 East Midlands Derbyshire 1 0 
			 East Midlands Leicestershire 0 1 
			 East Midlands Lincolnshire 0 0 
			 East Midlands Northamptonshire 0 1 
			 East Midlands Nottinghamshire 1 1 
			 West Midlands Hereford and Worcester 0 0 
			 West Midlands Shropshire 0 0 
			 West Midlands Staffordshire 0 0 
			 West Midlands Warwickshire 0 0 
			 West Midlands West Midlands 2 0 
			 Eastern Bedfordshire 0 1 
			 Eastern Cambridgeshire 0 1 
			 Eastern Essex 3 4 
			 Eastern Hertfordshire 0 1 
			 Eastern Norfolk 0 0 
			 Eastern Suffolk 0 0 
			 South West Avon 0 0 
			 South West Cornwall 0 0 
			 South West Devon and Somerset 0 0 
			 South West Dorset 0 0 
			 South West Gloucestershire 0 2 
		
	
	
		
			 South West Isles Of Scilly 0 0 
			 South West Wiltshire 3 0 
			 South East Berkshire 0 0 
			 South East Buckinghamshire 0 0 
			 South East East Sussex 0 0 
			 South East Hampshire 1 1 
			 South East Isle Of Wight 0 0 
			 South East Kent 3 0 
			 South East Oxfordshire 1 0 
			 South East Surrey 0 0 
			 South East West Sussex 0 0 
			 London Greater London 18 1 
			     
			 Total—England  43 27 
			 (1) Includes (i) physical abuse, (ii) other acts of aggression, and (iii) objects thrown. (2) Data for Greater Manchester for 2009-10 incomplete. Source: Incident Recording System, Department for Communities and Local Government

Housing Associations: Fraud

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what information his Department holds on the level of fraud perpetrated against housing associations.

Grant Shapps: The Department for Communities and Local Government does not collect information about frauds perpetrated against housing associations. From accounting year 2010-11 onwards, housing associations that are registered with the Social Housing Regulator are required to make an annual report to the Regulator of any losses from fraudulent activity.
	As I outlined in a departmental press notice on 16 December 2010, social tenancy fraud in England is estimated to cost £5 billion, in terms of the equivalent cost of the number of social homes that are unlawfully occupied.
	We are supporting councils to tackle tenancy fraud through £19 million in funding and a dedicated national action team based at the Chartered Institute of Housing. We are also working closely with the National Fraud Authority, for example, to lower the cost of using the services of credit reference agencies to help identify potential fraud.

Housing: Construction

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the potential effect on (a) the availability of urban green space and (b) the green belt of his proposals for new housing.

Bob Neill: holding answer 19 May 2011
	As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State clearly stated in answer to the hon. Member's question of 4 April 2011, Official Report, column 731, the Government are committed to maintaining green belt protection.
	We will also be implementing the coalition agreement commitment to create a new designation to protect green areas of particular importance to local communities.

Housing: Energy

Daniel Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps his Department is taking to ensure that new homes are built to meet energy efficiency standards.

Andrew Stunell: As part of the programme of work to deliver changes to the building regulations in 2013 and the Government's commitment that all new homes built from 2016 should be zero carbon, my officials are working with industry to consider a range of measures for further improving performance and compliance with the energy efficiency standards for new homes. Areas being explored include improving guidance and dissemination to raise awareness and understanding of the requirements and how to achieve them, and improvements to the building control system to facilitate compliance, such as enabling wider use of competent person schemes.
	I also refer my hon. Friend to the written ministerial statement of 17 May 2011, Official Report, columns 7-9WS

Housing: Energy

Daniel Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps his Department is taking to enable the retrofitting of older properties with energy saving and energy conservation technology.

Andrew Stunell: The Government will launch the Green Deal in late 2012, which will enable householders to improve the energy efficiency of their homes at no upfront cost. Measures will instead be paid for through the resulting savings on energy bills. This department is supporting the development of the Green Deal through improvements to energy performance certificates, to enable them to be part of the initial assessment of a home for the Green Deal, and to better engage householders on the benefits of installing energy efficiency measures.
	My officials are also engaged in a number of areas of work to support take-up of the Green Deal, including improved rights for private tenants to benefit from energy efficiency measures; exploring proposals for using building regulations to promote the retrofitting of buildings when undertaking other major works; and working with social landlords to encourage large scale projects to retrofit homes with energy efficiency and micro-generation technologies.

Local Government Act 1988

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans he has for the future of section 43 of the Local Government Act 1988.

Bob Neill: The Government have no specific plans in relation to section 43 of the Local Government Act 1988. The Government support and value the role of mandatory and discretionary rate relief.

Local Government: Finance

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will place in the Library a copy of each submission made by London borough councils to his Department on the provisional 2011-12 local government finance settlement.

Bob Neill: In previous years under past Administrations, written representations on the Local Government Finance Settlement have not usually been made public. In the spirit of transparency, Ministers have resolved that these should be published for the 2011-12 settlement, with the exception of any representations where the sender has explicitly requested their submission be treated as confidential.
	In due course, my Department will publish these documents online, with an accompanying background note to explain what steps were taken to respond to consultation responses. I will inform the House when this is completed.

Local Government: Standards

Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will bring forward secondary legislation to grant voting rights to co-opted members of local authority standards committees.

Bob Neill: The Standards Board regime fuelled petty complaints and malicious vendettas, wasting taxpayers' money and harming local democracy.
	The Localism Bill places a duty on councils to promote and maintain high standards of conduct, under which it will be their responsibility to take and fund such measures, including establishing any appropriate disciplinary processes, that they see fit to fulfil this duty.
	And as a guard against corruption, the Bill also provides that a member will commit a criminal offence if he or she, without reasonable excuse, fails to register or disclose an interest, or takes part in council business having personal interests which prohibit this.
	In this context, it will remain open for councils to have voluntary standards committees, but we have no plans to bring forward secondary legislation as suggested. One of the purposes of our reforms is to move away from arbitrary and often quasi-political judgments by unelected officials who operate outside the integrity and independence of the formal judicial process.

Planning Permission: Appeals

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how long his appointed Inspector in relation to appeal reference APP/E1210/A/10/2141696, spent at the appeal site during his visit on 1 March 2011.

Bob Neill: The Inspector's records indicate that he spent 35 minutes on site and walking in the vicinity. He spent a further estimated five minutes driving in the wider locality to acquaint himself with the overall context of the site.

Playing Fields

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his policy is on the future of the playing fields planning circular New Town and Country Planning (Consultation) Direction 2009.

Bob Neill: There are no plans to change the DCLG Circular 02/2009: The Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2009. The coalition agreement affirms that the Government will seek to protect school playing fields, and it also commits the Government to creating a new designation to protect green areas of particular importance to local communities.

Social Care

Tom Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  how much was allocated by each local authority for social care in each year since 2005; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how much was allocated by each local authority as part of the supporting people programme in each year since 2005; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  how much was allocated by each local authority for respite care in each year since 2005; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Neill: I have today placed in the Library of the House tables which show the sums allocated for social care, and for the supporting people programme, by each local authority in the years 2005-06 to 2009-10. Figures for the sums allocated to respite care are not held centrally.
	Central Government funding for social care is not ring-fenced and authorities are free to allocate this funding according to local priorities. The spending review provided an additional £7.2 billion for social care over the next four years but it is for local authorities to decide where this funding is most needed.

Trading Standards: Video Recordings

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the likely effect on the enforcement of the provisions of the Video Recordings Act 1984 by trading standards officers of the proposed reorganisation of the Local Government Group.

Bob Neill: No such assessment has been made. The Local Government Group is owned by its member local authorities and independent of central Government; its proposals for reorganisation and the services it will provide are matters for it to agree with its members.
	Local Government Regulation provides support to councils on trading standards issues, but it is local authorities which undertake enforcement activity.

Vacant Land

Daniel Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps his Department is taking to discourage development on greenfield sites.

Bob Neill: We are taking substantial steps to help local communities protect greenfield sites as they plan for sustainable growth. We are abolishing regional strategies and their top down direction including on developing urban extensions; councils have been given stronger powers to prevent unwanted garden grabbing; green belt, sites of special scientific interest and other environmental protections will be maintained; and we will create a new designation to protect green areas of particular importance to local communities.
	Our proposed new planning policy statement on travellers, subject to consultation, seeks to increase protection of the open countryside and green belt.